Republicans have taken control of the Senate after flipping seats in critical states for a 52 GOP majority.
According to the Associated Press, Republicans regained command of the 100-member assembly after losing it four years ago.
The GOP generated enough excitement in pivotal contests, overcoming the Democrats’ narrow 51-49 majority by gaining three seats, with the potential for more, as some races are still uncalled.
Republican Jim Justice secured the outgoing Independent Sen. Joe Manchin’s seat in West Virginia.
Ohio’s businessman Bernie Moreno shockingly ousted Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown, a surprising win given Brown’s prior lea in August.
Incumbent Sen. Deb Fischer managed to fend off Independent Dan Osborn in Nebraska, solidifying the Republican hold on the Senate.
In West Virginia, Democrat Joe Manchin announced his retirement last year. Republican Jim Justice, a popular former governor, easily won against Democrat Glenn Elliott.
Democrat Jon Tester was defeated by businessman Tim Sheehy in Montana, who flipped the seat with 53% of the vote.
Republican Sen. Ted Cruz easily thwarted Democratic Rep. Colin Allred in Texas, with a 53% to 44.6% blowout.
Three-term Democratic Sen. Bob Casey and David McCormick’s contest that remained uncalled, with the Republican challenger leading by 50,000 votes on Wednesday,
The new majority will assume power in January 2025, right before the presidential inauguration. With Senate Republicans now having the upper hand, they’ll wield considerable influence.
One of their most significant powers is determining which legislation gets a vote and which doesn’t. Once in control, the Republicans are likely to push for extensions of Trump’s tax cuts, among other initiatives.
Along with the shake-up, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will step aside, with Republicans electing a new leader soon.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has decided to retire after 17 years, with contenders like South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the Senate Republican whip, Texas Sen. John Cornyn, and Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso vying to take over.
