Trump's midterm setbacks: 6 Democrats who defied him and celebrated big election wins

James Talarico defeated Trump-endorsed Ken Paxton to become Texas's first Democratic US senator-elect since 1988. The 37-year-old former teacher challenged the president's political influence, billionaire campaign spending and what he described as divisive politics. Celebrating in Austin, Talarico declared, “We just took back Texas.” He also compared his campaign against Trump, Elon Musk and the political establishment to David's battle with Goliath.

Pediatrician Annie Andrews defeated Trump-backed Darline Graham, becoming the first woman elected to represent South Carolina in the US Senate and the state's first Democratic Senate winner in 28 years. Andrews campaigned against Medicaid cuts and for more affordable healthcare, while challenging the influence of political insiders. Celebrating in Charleston, she told supporters, “I think we just made some history.”

Gina Hinojosa defeated Republican Governor Greg Abbott, whom Trump endorsed, becoming Texas's first Latina governor-elect and ending more than three decades of Republican control of the office. She challenged Abbott's education policies, particularly school vouchers, and campaigned against the influence of wealthy donors in state politics. In her victory speech, Hinojosa declared, “Texas belongs to us.”

Former Maine Senate president Troy Jackson unseated five-term Republican Senator Susan Collins after campaigning against her support for key elements of Trump's agenda. The former logger criticized the influence of wealthy donors and argued that Collins had failed to provide sufficient opposition to the president. Celebrating in Portland, Jackson delivered a pointed message: “I don't owe them a damn thing,” referring to Trump and billionaires.

Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers to become the first Muslim elected to the US Senate. The former health official challenged Trump's foreign policy, opposed US military support for Israel and advocated greater domestic spending on healthcare, schools and infrastructure. Trump had personally attacked El-Sayed during the campaign, calling him a “jihadist.” In his Detroit victory speech, El-Sayed turned his attention to Vice President JD Vance, joking, “JD, habibi,” before noting that Vance would be constitutionally required to swear him in.

Ilhan Omar defeated Republican John Nagel in Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, securing a fifth term despite repeated attacks from Trump and ongoing federal investigations. Omar has challenged the administration's immigration enforcement policies and denied allegations of wrongdoing. In her victory speech, she said Trump's allies expected her community to live in fear, but Minnesota had shown it could “vote big.” She also warned of greater congressional scrutiny of the administration, echoing a fellow Democrat's message: “You better lawyer up.”