Democrats hold 54 seats as Schumer claims generational Senate shift

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told reporters on Wednesday that the Democratic takeover of the House and Senate constitutes a generational remake of the Senate map. The New York Democrat made the remarks outside the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in Washington, D.C., as his party secured a 54-seat majority. This count includes two independent senators who caucus with the party.

Democrats captured seats in red states that President Donald Trump previously carried. These victories include Iowa, Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas. The party also achieved a historic win in Kansas, ending a 94-year absence of a Democrat from the state’s Senate delegation. Two races in Alaska and Mississippi have not yet been called.

Schumer, who is expected to become Senate Majority Leader in January, attributed the results to candidates who tailored their messages to specific states. He emphasized that voters entrusted the majority to act on the American people's behalf rather than simply granting Democrats a free pass to legislate as they wished.

The Senate leader outlined a legislative agenda focused on lowering the cost of living, ending the Iran war, and investigating White House allegations of corruption. He stated that relief is on the way for voters and declared that the era of a supplicant Senate under Trump is over.

President Trump has indicated he will use his veto power on Democratic priorities but has also shown some openness to deals with the new Congress. Schumer said his party would work to drive costs down with or without the president’s cooperation.