Elections this week that energized Democrats and angered President Donald Trump have cast a chill over efforts to end the record-breaking government shutdown, raising fresh doubts about the possibility of a breakthrough despite the punishing toll of federal closures on the country.

Hours before the first major elections since President Donald Trump’s win last November, Sen. Bernie Sanders offered a stern warning for Democrats about the party’s secret talks to end the shutdown.

Former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy says the party needs to address high electric bills, healthcare costs and housing affordability to win voters.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who served as the first and only female House speaker, said she will not run for re-election.

Elections that energized Democrats and angered President Donald Trump this week have cast a chill over efforts to end the government shutdown.

Vernon Mayor Dan Champagne, a Republican, narrowly defeated his Democratic challenger Jeremy Geller by 122 votes.

County Councilmember Richard Womack won a second term Tuesday while his running mate, County Controller Joanne Phillips was elected to her first term on Council.

The record-breaking government shutdown and Tuesday's election wins for Democrats are provoking fresh movement in Washington, with top Democrats demanding a meeting with President Donald Trump to end the closure.