Democrats ready to end Trump’s unpopular actions

Since 1857, the US federal government has been unified 48 times, 23 under Democratic control and 25 under Republican control, while the government has been divided 38 times when the presidency and one or both chambers of Congress are from different parties. The November 3rd election has once again created a Democratic legislature during the last two years of the final two years of the second term of Republican President Donald Trump. This has turned him into a “lame duck,” an official nearing the end of his term of office who cannot secure his agenda.

Democratic legislators plan to establish a united front to challenge Trump and reverse some of his executive actions which do not have Congressional approval. He has said he would work with Democrats while maintaining his veto if they want to "be destructive" without defining what this would mean.

On the domestic front, House Democrats plan to reinstate health insurance subsidies that expired under the Republican-led Congress and to reverse Medicaid cuts Trump signed into law in 2025. The Democrats also seek to drop Trump's tariffs on imports and regain Congressional control over import taxes. On the foreign front, Congress — which was ignored by Trump when he launched the Iran war — will again vote on legislation to end the war or compel him to seek congressional authorisation to continue the conflict. As it holds "the power of the purse strings," that is to appropriate funds, Congress has leverage to force Trump to follow its instructions on this issue.

Among the legislators are a number of committed Congressmen and women who are certain to assert themselves on issues important to them and their constituents, notably those with a Middle East agenda.

Muslim Network Television identified 51 Muslim candidates across 23 states who ran in the mid-term elections, including 10 competing for the House and one for the Senate. The remaining candidates sought seats in state legislatures and local and judicial offices.

Seven Muslim lawmakers won a record number of seats in the federal legislature, six in the House and one in the Senate. It is significant that all are Democrats. The gains in both chambers will provide their constituencies a greater stake in governance. Candidates campaigned on civil rights, healthcare and foreign policy. The latter could have a positive impact on US policy toward this region as the composition of the House of Representatives and Senate has shifted the balance of power in Washington away from more Israel-friendly Republicans.

Several first-time and incumbent lawmakers had campaigned on observing international legal standards, providing humanitarian assistance and opposing unconditional US military support for Israel amid the continuing genocide in Gaza.

Michigan's high profile Abdul El-Sayed is the first Muslim elected to the Senate by defeating Republican Mike Rogers. El Sayed was victorious after an ugly campaign in which his faith became a target of attacks by Republicans and Trump. El-Sayed has criticised unconditional provision of US arms to Israel and described its military operations in Gaza as “genocide.”

New Jersey's Adam Hamawy, who is of Egyptian background, is the first Muslim elected to the House from his state. He is a plastic surgeon and a retired Army combat physician who served in the Iraq war and volunteered in Gaza in 2024.

New York's Darializa Avila Chevalier took more than 85 per cent of the vote in the June primary which projected her into the race, demonstrating the popular desire for change. The last time the Democrats had the majority in both Houses was in 2021, following the 2020 election which was won by Democrat Joe Biden.

There are 35 Jewish legislators, 10 in the Senate — nine Democrats and one independent (Bernie Sanders) — and 25 in the House: Jewish members make up roughly 6.5 per cent of Congress, while Jewish Americans account for about 2 per cent of the population. Among the Jewish legislators there is no consensus on Israel: there are hawks who advocate arming Israel and doves who don't.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu divides US Jews although 85 per cent "identify with Israel." A September 2026 survey conducted on behalf of the Jewish Electorate Institute showed that 61 per cent of US Jewish voters view him unfavourably and 60 per cent argue he should be replaced. The survey also revealed that 56 per cent of poll participants spoke of a "great deal" of concern over Netanyahu's policies and actions as they have increased antisemitism and anti-Israel feeling in the US. Such concern has been expressed by 65 per cent among Jewish Democrats, 46 per cent among Jewish independents, and 34 per cent among Jewish Republicans.

On the state level Muslims have also been victorious. Democratic candidate Abeer Kawas achieved a political milestone by becoming the first woman of Palestinian descent to win a seat in the New York State Senate. Born and raised in New York City, she is a prominent community activist who has gained recognition for campaigning for immigrants’ rights and the Palestinian cause, and for her commitment to social justice issues within various marginalised communities.

Four incumbent Muslim lawmakers won re-election to two-year terms, maintaining their roles in congressional debates over foreign policy and Palestinian rights.

Michigan's Rashida Tlaib, the sole Palestinian American, secured a fifth term. She calls for enforcement of domestic and international arms regulations, civilian protection during conflicts and Palestinian self-determination. Minnesota's lhan Omar also won a fifth term. Omar, who arrived in the US at the age of 12, became the country's first Somali-American federal lawmaker when she took office in 2019.

While fielding repeated political attacks over her background, she promotes humanitarian assistance and oversight of US arms transfers.

Indiana's Andre Carson, the longest serving Muslim House lawmaker. retained the seat he won in 2008. During his career he has advocated for respect for international legal institutions, equal human dignity, and humanitarian assistance.

California's Lateefah Simon retained her seat by defeating fellow Democrat Jamie Joyce. Simon stands against offensive US arms deliveries.

Meanwhile Aisha Wahab, who is of Afghan origin, has won another race in California despite racist accusations that she was connected to the Taliban. She campaigned for affordable housing and public safety. It is notable that three of the four Muslim lawmakers are women.