A blue wave washes out Republican control in Congress

By Alfie Eville

Democrats have taken control of Congress in what can only be described as one of the biggest blowouts in recent history for the party. 

After many close calls and tight races, seven seats were flipped in the Senate, all of which turned Democrat. Most notably being Texas, where James Talarico won by over one million votes, and Michigan’s Abdul El-Sayed beating out Mike Rogers by nearly half a million votes.

I want to state first and foremost that I do not align myself with any party and have my qualms with both Democrats and Republicans. Getting caught up in these parties can lead to cultish behavior, and I steer clear of that like the plague, so do not misconstrue my words as favoritism or blind hatred. I dislike all politicians, even yours. 

With that being said, I believe that this was the best direction for this country. While millions of bigoted Americans will scoff and spout slurs at El-Sayed for being of Islamic faith, I think electing him shows a sign of progress. Perhaps some of the lesser educated people will look over progress, but there will always be the ignorant among the informed. Alabama, despite electing a Republican Senator, chose their House of Representatives seat to be represented by an openly trans woman, Allison Montgomery, in their 25th District. Chris Pappas, Senator-elect from New Hampshire, is the first openly-gay man to be voted into Congress. 

The progressive direction this country is taking after the 2026 midterms will hopefully lead to a better and more united country. On the political spectrum of things, I have hope, as well. El-Sayed, the aforementioned Senator-elect from Michigan, has been vocal on his fight against the Trump administration. While impeaching Trump will only lead to J.D. Vance in office, the bar is so incredibly low that it will still probably be an improvement. The prudent El-Sayed has also talked extensively, along with other Democrats, about fixing the healthcare system in America. I truly hope that this is the generation to solve one of America’s most critical issues and vile affronts to the well-being of people.

Politicians talk a big game, but this is their chance now to finally enact these lofty goals they have proclaimed.

One issue I am very worried about is artificial intelligence. As an advocate against the usage of it, I will be the first to say I want to leave behind this grotesque and inescapable hivemind of tech companies bolstering their new AI bots and features. These talking-head billionaires know nothing of the strife that this is having on our future. It is no secret that we are in a bubble. Ever since the midterms, the market has done what America could not, go all red. Could this blue wave in Congress hurt the economy? Most likely, given how most of the top stocks are technology-related and all have their ties with AI. 

The issue of economics is multifaceted and I have neither the time nor the intellect to properly convey the depth behind it. That being said, I am not blaming the Democrats or souring their beliefs. I am merely worried about what the future of America’s economy will hold for us. 

Bringing it back to our beloved New Jersey, Cory Booker won 62% of the vote, keeping his seat. Booker’s open connections with American Israel Public Affairs Committee, though, are what make me dislike this heavily. Politicians being backed by Israel in a time like this is reason enough for me to never vote for them. Billionaires funding these politicians, be it left or right, a country waging war against innocent civilians, these are things that I despise. It pains me that we live in a system where we have to, more often than not, vote for someone that believes in something we loathe. That is the issue with a two-party system. That is why I am not attached to either.

Alfie Eville is a sophomore history and secondary education major