Democrats gain in US Congress

Democrats strengthened their majorities in both houses of Congress, assuring President-elect Barack Obama a stronger hand in enacting his agenda of change.

A total of 35 seats were in contention in the Senate. In the House, all 435 seats were up for election.

Democrats picked up five more seats in the Senate in Tuesday's voting, increasing their control in the 100-seat upper house to at least 56. They currently have a 51-49 majority, including two independents who vote in their caucus.