The Democrats have won control of the House of Representatives in the mid-term polls for the first time since 1994.
Leaders from around the world have been giving their reaction to the results.
DANISH PRIME MINISTER ANDERS FOGH RASMUSSEN
"I hope that the president and Congress under these new
conditions find a common line regarding Iraq and Afghanistan.
"The world needs an active United States. It's too early to say
what this will mean (for US policy in Iraq).
"But after an
election where voters have sent a clear signal, politicians will
EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT JOSE MANUEL BARROSO
"It is very important that, now that the elections are
finished, that we can have a renewed commitment from the
American side to revive the Doha (trade) talks because this is
very important for the world economy."
JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER SHINZO ABE
"Japan's support for Iraq will not change.
"The international community has worked to rebuild Iraq. Japan
will continue to do what we can."
ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MASSIMO D'ALEMA
"A cycle has ended. The cycle of pre-emptive wars, of
unilateralism, ends in great failure.
"This is the truth that is becoming clear also to the American public. A new cycle must
begin and I think there is a great responsibility for Europe."