Former US president Barack Obama has said American voters want political leaders who can bring the country together and offer practical solutions, after Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections, dealing a major setback to President Donald Trump and the Republican Party.

In a post on X on Wednesday, November 4, Obama said the election results sent a clear message about the kind of politics voters wanted.“Tonight, the American people sent a clear message — they want a politics that brings people together rather than divides them, and leaders who offer concrete solutions to the challenges they face,” he wrote.

Obama credited Democratic candidates across the country for the party’s performance, including those who contested seats in areas previously considered difficult for Democrats to win. He said the candidates came from different backgrounds and represented a range of political perspectives but shared a commitment to public service and putting their constituents first.

The former president also thanked election officials and volunteers from both parties for helping conduct the elections, describing their work as one of the essential functions of American democracy.

Arizona Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari threatens Trump with subpoenas as Democrats sweep midtermsObama calls for action after Democratic victoriesDemocrats secured majorities in the House of Representatives and the Senate, ending Republican control of Congress and setting up a new period of divided government in Washington.

According to the Associated Press, Democrats made significant gains in Senate races, flipping seats in states including Texas, South Carolina, Iowa and Kansas. They also gained more than two dozen House districts, including in areas that have traditionally supported Republicans.

The victories give Democrats control of congressional committees and greater authority to investigate the Trump administration.

They will also be able to block or reshape parts of the president’s legislative agenda and exercise greater influence over Senate confirmation proceedings. Obama’s message focused on the responsibility that comes with the election results, urging Democrats to use the power available to them rather than treating the victories as an end in themselves. Democrats score Senate wins in red states, flip key governor races in midterms blow to TrumpTrump administration has two years left, Obama saysObama also acknowledged that the election would not change the leadership of the White House immediately.

Trump will remain president for another two years, with his administration continuing in office until the end of his term in January 2029.“While this administration has another two years in office, our job now is to roll up our sleeves, make changes wherever we have the power to do so, prevent further damage, and lay the groundwork for the future,” Obama wrote. The new congressional session is scheduled to begin in January 2027, when the Democratic majorities take office. The shift is expected to intensify scrutiny of the Trump administration and create fresh obstacles for the president during the final two years of his term.