The Republican Party has won control of the U.S. Senate, clinching seats in key states like West Virginia and Ohio on Tuesday. This victory ensures that Donald Trump’s party will hold at least one chamber of Congress in the coming year.
As of now, the House of Representatives remains undecided, with neither party holding a clear lead. Republicans currently maintain a slim majority there, but the final balance of power is yet to be determined.
With Senate control secured, Republicans are positioned to support Trump in appointing conservative judges and key government officials, should he succeed in his presidential bid. If Democrat Kamala Harris wins, they could use this power to obstruct much of her agenda.
In West Virginia, Republican Jim Justice claimed an open Senate seat previously held by Democrat-turned-independent Joe Manchin. Meanwhile, Ohio saw Republican Bernie Moreno projected to unseat Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown, giving Republicans a 51-49 Senate majority, with potential for further gains as additional results come in.
In the presidential race, Trump scored a critical win over Harris in the battleground state of North Carolina, advancing his bid for a political comeback. However, the outcome in six crucial states is still pending.
By 11:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday (0430 GMT Wednesday), Trump had accumulated 230 Electoral College votes to Harris’ 205. With 270 votes needed to secure the presidency, both campaigns remain in suspense as final results trickle in.