Democrats retake control of House, Republicans hold Senate majority as midterms leave power split in Washington

Democrats reclaimed control of the House of Representatives Tuesday night after eight long years out of power, dealing a major setback to President Trump's legislative agenda -- but Republicans were able to expand their narrow Senate majority and, with it, preserve the ability to confirm crucial judicial nominees.

The split decision on Capitol Hill follows one of the most intense and chaotic midterm campaign seasons in recent memory, in which President Trump barnstormed the country for GOP candidates and powerful Democrats including predecessor Barack Obama did the same for the other side.

For his part, Trump was able to help prevent a total Democratic takeover in Congress, and he avoided a repeat of President Obama's first midterm elections, when the president's party was shellacked across the board, losing 6 seats in the Senate and 63 in the House.

Retiring House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., noted in a statement that since 1832, the president's party has lost an average of 32 House seats during his first midterm elections.

The president reacted positively but tersely to the results late Tuesday, writing on Twitter, "Tremendous success tonight. Thank you to all!"