The only surprise to me was the "rigged election" excuse was not used when the red wave failed to materialize. But then again, the main fellow promoting a rigged election was not on the ballot this time.

Republicans still got 50% of the popular vote. They have no reason to reform the party anytime soon.

With a weakened Russian military, China probably has eyes on Mongolia and the Russian Far East, territories which it has historical ties to. The West won't interfere that much if China goes an that direction.