Republicans faced a historic collapse in Tuesday’s midterm elections as Democrats secured major wins across the country. Democrats flipped at least five governorships and gained control in several states. They now plan to use this power to raise the minimum wage, increase taxes on top earners, and resist Trump’s policies.
The midterms were a historic collapse for the Republicans, who were unable to overcome an unpopular president and an unpopular war.
As President Obama liked to say, elections have consequences. Tuesday's contest -- in which Democrats routed Republicans by shocking margins in shocking parts of the country -- is no exception. How will Democrats use their new power?
The answer isn't so simple. The result was more a rebuke of President Trump than an endorsement of specific policies, and Democrats disagree with one another on impeachment, the role of fossil fuels, Israel, health care and how much to tax the rich. Meanwhile, Trump still controls the executive branch -- and the veto pen.
But the blue wave still promises to reshape American politics. Today, a guide to what's coming.
The states
Democrats flipped at least five governorships and won vaunted "trifectas" -- unified control of the executive and both legislative chambers -- in at least five new states, cutting deep into territory once deemed purple and red.
A blue makeover. Their agendas, likely guided by the states that have been blue for a generation, will focus on how to steer funds and resist Trump's policies. They could raise the minimum wage, lift taxes on top earners and add paid family leave. They may also pay to patch some of the cuts, particularly to food stamps and health programs, that the Republican Congress enacted as part of Trump's domestic policy law. Some may try to restrict new A.I. data centers.
Electoral advantage. State Democrats will be empowered, in some cases, to change election rules -- say, by expanding mail-in voting -- in hopes of unlocking new swing states in the next presidential election. They may contemplate redrawing their congressional maps to help Democrats.
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