Trump a big loser in US midterms

One of the most stunning outcomes in the US midterm elections must be the Republican Party's failure to pull off a red wave across the country.

Although a number of polls predicted the Grand Old Party would readily win control of both the House of Representatives and Senate, the results have shown otherwise.

As votes are counted, gaps between the two sides get narrower than anticipated.

Soaring living costs and an unpopular Democratic president are concerns for Americans but these have not prevented the Democrats from holding off a feared red tsunami.

In some states, the Democrats can claim comfort even if the final counts land them in the minority in Congress.

Central to the contest were all 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate.

Three dozen governors' offices were also up for grabs.

As of yesterday, the votes counted suggest the Republican Party was set to take over control of at least the House from the Democrats - a dramatic turn that would push Nancy Pelosi back into the opposition.

Meanwhile, the race for the Senate has proved tighter than expected.

No matter which side emerges as the winner in either of the chambers, it will only be a narrow majority and not a landslide that would have upended either party in the US presidential election two years from now.

Certainly, even a simple majority for the Republicans in the House would be serious enough to paralyze president Joe Biden's legislative agenda - albeit falling short of a fatal blow.

It's likely that the non-appearance of a red wave has disappointed former president Donald Trump more than anyone else.

Reported to be ready to announce his presidential bid immediately after the midterm elections, the results are also a vote on Trump.

Since leaving the White House following a disputed presidential election, he has maintained vast influence over his fellow Republicans and American politics.

A red wave or tsunami would have endorsed Trump and his political influence. Without the red wave, questions are bound to be raised within the party by other Republicans about whether Trump is still better placed than anyone else to lead GOP to victory in the presidential election in 2024.

As said, there were also a number of governors' races.

There is no denying that the contest in Florida was the most eye-catching, with Republican incumbent Ron DeSantis beating Democratic challenger Val Demings by a huge lead.

Armed with a major victory in Florida, DeSantis is considered a prospective candidate for presidential nomination within the party for the 2024 presidential battle, setting him on a direct collision course with Trump.

It is ironic that, although a number of Republican candidates endorsed by Trump have won in the elections, he stands to lose the most personally in the midterms.