In a significant midterm election victory, the Republican Party has won control of the U.S. Senate, securing key wins in West Virginia and Ohio. The GOP now holds a 51-49 majority, giving them a decisive advantage in one chamber of Congress as they prepare to influence federal appointments and block potential Democratic agendas. Notably, Republican Jim Justice clinched an open Senate seat in West Virginia, succeeding Democrat-turned-independent Joe Manchin, while Republican Bernie Moreno defeated incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown in Ohio.
Meanwhile, the Republicans made headway in the House of Representatives, bolstered by redrawn district lines that helped them gain seats in Democratic strongholds like Pennsylvania’s Scranton district, the hometown of President Joe Biden, and North Carolina. However, House control remains in contention, with Democrats needing to flip six seats to regain the 435-seat chamber majority.
In Delaware, Democrat Sarah McBride made history as the first openly transgender member of Congress. Additionally, the Senate will see two Black women serving concurrently for the first time, as Democrat Lisa Blunt Rochester won in Delaware, and projections indicate a victory for Democrat Angela Alsobrooks in Maryland.
With most results finalized, Republicans are projected to hold a narrow majority in the House, potentially complicating legislative decision-making. Ongoing counts in competitive districts in New York and California are likely to determine the final House composition.
