The Democrats took control of the U.S. House of Representatives early Wednesday after a 12-year minority.

The Democrats have won 218 seats as of 1 a.m. (0600 GMT) in the midterm legislative elections, enough for majority in the 435-seat House for the first time since 1994. The win will clear the way for Nancy Pelosi, Democrats' leader in the House of Representatives, to become the country's first female House speaker.

"From sea to shining sea, the American people voted for change" and they selected the Democrats to led the United States in a new direction, Pelosi declared at the headquarter of the Democrats late Tuesday.

"Today we have made history. now let us make progress," Pelosi said.

Earlier, the White House acknowledged that the Democrats would control the House of Representatives.

"We believe Democrats will have control of the House, and look forward to working with Democratic leaders on the issues that remain foremost on the agenda, including winning the war in Iraq and the broader war on terror and keeping the economy on a growth path," White House spokesman Tony Snow said.

Source: Xinhua