US midterm elections: Democrats limit losses to Republicans in US Congress

Control of Congress was up for grabs early on Wednesday after the US midterm elections, with many of the most competitive races uncalled, leaving it unclear whether Republicans would crack Democrats' tenuous hold on power. | Above: Supporters of Republican gubernatorial candidate for Florida Ron DeSantis cheer during an election night watch party at the Convention Center in Tampa, Florida.

In a critical win for President Joe Biden's party, Democrat John Fetterman (pictured) flipped a Republican-held US Senate seat in Pennsylvania, beating Republican celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz and bolstering his party's chances of holding the chamber.

The mood at the White House improved as the night wore on, with once-nervous aides allowing smiles to creep onto their faces and saying early signs for Democrats were better than expected. On Twitter, Biden posted a photo of himself happily congratulating some of the Democratic winners by phone.

Supporters cheer as results come in during an election night event for Democratic candidate for Georgia governor Stacey Abrams in Atlanta.

In the House of Representatives, Republicans remained favoured to win a majority that would allow them to block Biden's priorities while launching politically damaging investigations into his administration and family. | Above: Republican US Senator Lisa Murkowski waves a campaign sign with supporters on election night on the corner of Seward Highway and Northern Lights Boulevard, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Supporters react during an election night event for Gov. Tony Evers at The Orpheum Theater in Madison, Wisconsin. Democratic incumbent Gov. Evers defeated Republican challenger Tim Michels.

By early Wednesday, Republicans had flipped six Democratic House seats, Edison Research projected, one more than the minimum they need to take over the chamber. | Above: Supporters cheer Republican gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan speaks during an election night party in Silverton, Oregon.

Supporters of Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, Democratic candidate for US Senate, waves signs during an election night party in Pittsburgh.

Democratic Massachusetts Governor Elect Maura Healey (R) and Lieutenant Governor nominee Kim Driscoll (L) celebrate victory during a watch party at the Copley Plaza hotel on election night in Boston, Massachusetts.

Supporters of Republican gubernatorial candidate for Florida Ron DeSantis cheer during an election night watch party at the Convention Center in Tampa, Florida.

Republican candidate Sarah Palin talks with reporters near the corner of Seward Highway and Northern Lights Boulevard on election night, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Gov. Tony Evers speaks to supporters during an election night event at The Orpheum Theater in Madison, Wisconsin. Democratic incumbent Gov. Evers defeated Republican challenger Tim Michels.

Republican gubernatorial candidate for Florida Ron DeSantis with his wife Casey DeSantis speaks to supporters during an election night watch party at the Convention Center in Tampa, Florida.