Trouble for Obama as US mid-term elections see Republicans win control of the Senate

Republican Senator Mitch McConnell said that their win was a vote against 'a government that people can no longer trust'.

15:30 05 November 2014

The Republicans have won control of the Senate in the US mid-term elections in a move that spells trouble for the Obama administration.

 

The party, which already won in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Montana, North Carolina, and West Virginia, are expecting to post more gains as votes are counted in other states. The party now has control over 52 seats. 

 

They also made gains among the 36 governorships up for re-election in what may amount to a massive shift in political power amid the coda of Obama's reign. 

 

Republican Senator Mitch McConnell said that the election outcome was a vote against “a government that people can no longer trust.” 

 

With the result, the Republicans now has the power to complicate Mr Obama’s agenda in the last two years of his tenure. They can also interfere with the president’s ability to name new federal judges, cabinet members, and senior government officials. 

 

Meanwhile, current Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid congratulated Mr McConnell in a short statement.

 

"The message from voters is clear: they want us to work together. I look forward to working with Senator McConnell to get things done for the middle class."