Republicans won more votes nationally than Democrats, but President Biden’s party trounced expectations.
Defying history, recent election trends, the president’s low job approval, a negative view of the direction of the country and record high inflation, the Democrats maintained control of the U.S. Senate and likely limited the Republicans to a single digit advantage in the House.
The Democrats enjoyed the most successful midterm performance for a party in power in 20 years, when in the aftermath of 9/11, George W. Bush and the GOP took back the Senate and won House seats.
In addition to potentially picking up one Senate seat (pending the results of the Georgia runoff), and limiting House losses, Democrats won a net of two governorships (with Arizona still uncalled) and took control of the Michigan and Minnesota state legislatures.
According to the Edison exit polling, there was a Republican +3 advantage with only 13% turnout for under 30 voters compared to 28% for 65+. With this demographic profile of voters, a strong Republican outcome might have been anticipated, but the national lead did not carry over to races that mattered.