Democrats took a victory lap on Sunday after retaining control of the U.S. Senate, defying Republican hopes for a "red wave" in the midterm elections, and turned their attention to Georgia where a run-off contest could strengthen their hand in Congress.
Democratic leaders portrayed the better-than-expected performance as vindication of their agenda and a rebuke of election denialism and extremist candidates on the right, even as Republicans edged toward control of the House of Representatives with a handful of key races yet to be called.
"We were on the edge of autocracy and thank God the American people pulled us back in this election," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said at a news conference on Sunday.