Both Trump and Democrats claim victory — who will win the midterms?

On Tuesday (local time), the day of the midterm elections, leaders of both the Republican and Democratic parties projected confidence, each offering favorable outlooks on the results.

President Donald Trump called into Fox News that morning and declared, "Everything is going very well. Inflation has been resolved." He added that he believed the results would be "better than people think."

Polling had shown a growing backlash against the Trump administration and Republicans, with high prices and surging gasoline costs emerging as the top voter concerns. Trump, however, insisted inflation was under control and maintained a positive outlook. The data told a different story: gasoline prices stood at $4.13 per gallon as of 10 a.m. Eastern time Tuesday — the highest ever recorded on a US midterm election day.

High fuel costs have directly stoked voter discontent, dealing a blow to Trump and Republicans. Democrats have sought to channel that frustration, expressing hope of reclaiming not only the House but also a Senate majority.

Senate Democratic floor leader Chuck Schumer, speaking to reporters after casting his ballot at a school in Brooklyn, New York, declared that "there will be a new Democratic majority in the United States Senate." He tempered his confidence, however, saying he did not want to "count my chickens before they hatch" — describing the Democratic mood as "nauseously optimistic," a phrase meant to convey cautious hope rather than premature celebration.