Republicans will regain control of the Senate after capturing at least two Democratic-held seats on Tuesday, essentially giving the GOP majority control for the first time since losing it in the 2020 election cycle.
Crucial GOP pickups in West Virginia and Ohio gave Republicans the seats they need to erase Democrats’ current 51-49 one-seat majority.
“As a new Republican Senate majority, our focus will be to take on an agenda that reflects America’s priorities – lower prices, less spending, secure borders, and American energy dominance,” said Senate GOP Conference Chair John Barrasso (R-WY). “That is what we will set out to do on Day One. Our new Republican Senators will be instrumental in the success of this agenda. Senate Republicans are focused on getting this country back on track.”
Democrats faced their most difficult election map in years. They needed to defend more than a half-dozen competitive incumbent seats and win the White House in order to retain their control of the upper chamber.
In the conservative stronghold of West Virginia, Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV) will replace retiring Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV). Republican Bernie Moreno ousted third-term Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) in the former swing-state of Ohio that’s become increasingly red.
The presidential race had yet to be called.
A Republican Senate would grease the wheels for former President Donald Trump in a second term to more easily confirm Cabinet positions, Supreme Court justices, and scores of other presidential nominees.
Conversely, a GOP-controlled chamber would present a major roadblock to Vice President Kamala Harris, her nominees, and the Democratic Party’s agenda.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.