Republicans will regain Senate control after capturing at least two Democratic-held seats on Tuesday, shifting the balance of power in Washington by handing the GOP a majority 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 needed to erase Democrats’ current one-seat majority, while a loss in Nebraska by independent Dan Osborn ended the last opportunity of the evening to unseat a GOP incumbent.
Both of the leading contenders to become the next Republican majority leader quickly released statements promising to "turn the page" on Democratic control. But less clear was the ultimate margin of victory. Competitive seats in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nevada, and Montana had yet to be called by midnight but were trending in the GOP's favor.
"Tonight, with Republicans reclaiming majority control of the U.S. Senate, we can begin to turn the page on this expensive and reckless chapter of American history," Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-SD) said. "As we wait for additional results, I am optimistic that President Trump will be successful, our majority will grow stronger, and we can continue our work together to create a safer and more secure country for every American.”
"Chuck Schumer has broken the Senate," Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) added. "But I’m confident our new conservative majority can restore our institution to the essential role it serves in our constitutional republic."
Democrats faced their most difficult election map in years. They needed to protect more than half a dozen incumbents in battleground states 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 a former swing state that has become increasingly red.
The presidential race had yet to be called when Senate Republicans clinched their 51st seat, though former President Donald Trump is on the verge of clinching the win.
A Republican Senate would grease the wheels for Trump in a second term, allowing him to confirm Cabinet positions, Supreme Court justices, and scores of other presidential nominees more easily.
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Trump credited his "MAGA movement" for flipping the Senate, as he declared victory for the presidency in a speech to supporters at his campaign headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida. The race for the White House had yet to be called by the Associated Press and other major outlets, but he appeared on track to win after capturing the crucial state of Pennsylvania.
"The number of victories in the Senate was absolutely incredible," Trump said. "It was amazing to look at all of those victories. Nobody expected that."