Hugs, cheers and smiles broke out as the Democrats picked up a string of victories in Republican strongholds, delivering them the Senate and the House.

The win gives them control of Congress for the rest of Donald Trump's presidency.

Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms defeated Republican Rick Jackson, a billionaire businessman endorsed by President Trump.

Bottoms becomes the first black woman elected to be governor of Georgia.

The state has not had a Democratic governor in more than 20 years.

Another Democrat victory was seen in Georgia where Senator Jon Ossoff was re-elected, giving him a second term.

Speculation surrounds Ossoff, considered a potential leading contender to run for the Democrats in the next presidential election in 2028.

In Portland, Maine, supporters reacted to the news that Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson won his seat. He beat Republican veteran Susan Collins who has been in the Senate for nearly 30 years.

Democrat Chris Pappas made history as the first openly gay man elected to the Senate, beating his rival Republican Senator John Sununu.

Pappas celebrated his New Hampshire win on stage with his husband.

In North Carolina, the Democrats secured the night's first flip of a Senate seat.

The state's former Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, won against Republican candidate Michael Whatley.

A supporter raised a jubilant fist to celebrate the North Carolina win.

In Michigan, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed will become the first Muslim US senator. He told voters: "You took a chance on the unlikeliest of candidates."