According to early Wednesday projections by U.S. media, Republicans have reclaimed control of the U.S. Senate in a major power shift.
This victory provides substantial momentum to the GOP, allowing them to advance their agenda and judicial appointments should Donald Trump win the presidency. However, if Kamala Harris becomes president, a partisan standoff is likely.
The U.S. Congress, divided into the 435-seat House of Representatives and the 100-seat Senate, saw fierce competition this year, with 34 Senate seats on the ballot.
Republican Governor Jim Justice of West Virginia secured an early win, taking over the seat of outgoing independent Senator Joe Manchin, who generally supported Democrats.
In Ohio, a Trump-backed businessman, Bernie Moreno, defeated long-standing Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown, further strengthening Republican ranks.
Fox News and ABC called the overall Senate race in favor of Republicans after Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer overcame an independent solid challenger.
With potential additional Republican wins in Montana, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, the GOP may extend their Senate majority to 55 seats, positioning them to support Trump’s legislative goals if he wins effectively.
For the first time in history, two Black women—Democrats Angela Alsobrooks of Maryland and Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware—will serve in the Senate, marking a historic milestone. Only three Black women have served previously, including Harris.
Additionally, Democrat Sarah McBride made history as the first openly transgender politician elected to Congress, winning a House seat in Delaware.
With $10 billion spent on congressional campaigns this cycle, Republicans have firmly gained the Senate. At the same time, Democrats retain hope of flipping four seats needed to regain control of the House, where results are still pending.
