3 November 2010 Last updated at 16:15

In pictures: US Election results

A member of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers fills out his ballot at a polling station inside the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Spellman Room in Ossining, New York

Americans headed to the polls in mid-term elections which, as predicted, ended in a grim night for President Barack Obama's Democratic Party.

The US Capitol and House of Representatives are seen through autumn foliage on election day in Washington

All 435 members of the House of Representatives faced the voters, plus 37 senators, and 37 state governors.

Tea Party supporters Keli Carender (R) of Seattle, Washington, and Diana Reimer of Pennsylvania hold flags during a ceremony at the US Capitol in Washington

The politically conservative movement, the Tea Party, celebrated a number of high-profile successes.

Kentucky Republican US Senate candidate and Tea Party favourite Rand Paul holds up the hand of his wife, Kelley, while his son, Will, looks on at an election night victory rally in Bowling Green, Kentucky

Rand Paul, a Tea Party favourite, held the open Kentucky Senate seat for the Republicans.

A supporter of Republican nominee for Florida US Senator Marco Rubio waits for him to arrive for his "Reclaim America Victory Celebration" at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida.

Another Tea Party-backed Republican, Marco Rubio, took Florida's bitterly contested Senate seat.

Florida Governor Charlie Crist thanks supporters after admitting defeat in his campaign for the US Senate by Republican Marco Rubio during a campaign party in St Petersburg, Florida

The race was a disaster for once-popular Charlie Crist, who took the gamble of quitting as Florida's governor to run for the Senate.

Blanche Lincoln greets supporters outside of her Little Rock polling place.

Arkansas's Blanche Lincoln is one of the most moderate Democratic senators, but that was not enough to save her this year.

Conservative supporters gather at the Victory Texas and Republican Party of Texas election night watch party for Republican Governor Rick Perry, at the Texas Disposal Systems Exotic Game Ranch

Re-elected Texas Governor Rick Perry deployed some political jujitsu to beat a strong challenge from former Houston mayor Bill White. Most newspapers in the Lone Star state endorsed White. But Perry leapt on the anti-incumbent band wagon.

Republican US Senate candidate Christine O"Donnell steps out of the voting booth after voting at Cab Calloway High School polling station

Republicans had hoped to claim Vice-President Joe Biden's former Senate seat in Delaware, but Tea Party darling Christine O'Donnell may have been too conservative to win there. Christopher Coons chalked up the seat for the Democrats.

Democratic US Senate candidate and West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin (C) is hugged by a supporter

West Virginia governor Joe Manchin was more successful in his Senate bid. He held a crucial seat for the Democrats - after vowing independence from President Barack Obama during the campaign.

Supporters celebrate at an election night party at the Venetian casino in Las Vegas, Nevada

Republican supporters celebrated at election night parties across the states.

House Republican Leader John Boehner (Republican, Ohio) who broke into tears during his speech, waves after addressing supporters at a Republican election night results watch rally in Washington

House Republican Leader John Boehner shed tears during his speech at a Republican election night rally in Washington.

Campaign workers prepare for a election night party for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid

With unemployment in the state hovering above 14%, Nevada should have been an open goal for the Republicans. But Harry Reid held his seat against a challenge from Tea Party-backed challenger Sharron Angle.

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In pictures: US Election results

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