Washington: Republicans have claimed control of the U.S. Senate after notable victories in West Virginia and Ohio on Tuesday, ensuring that Donald Trump’s party will command at least one chamber of Congress in the coming term. Meanwhile, the fight for control of the House of Representatives remains unresolved, with neither party holding a clear advantage. The GOP currently holds a slim 220-212 majority in the House.
With the Senate secured, Republicans will have a strategic foothold to support Trump’s potential appointments of conservative judges and federal officials if he wins the presidency. Should Democrat Kamala Harris prevail in the presidential race, Republicans would be positioned to challenge much of her legislative agenda.
In West Virginia, Republican Jim Justice decisively won an open Senate seat previously held by Joe Manchin, a former Democrat who turned independent. Ohio saw another critical win for Republicans, where Bernie Moreno was projected to defeat incumbent Democrat Sherrod Brown. These victories assure the GOP at least a 51-49 majority in the Senate, with additional gains still possible as results from other close contests emerge.
Republicans are also making gains in the House, aiming to retain control. Notably, they gained three seats in North Carolina following a redistricting that favored GOP candidates, though Democrats captured a Republican-held seat in Alabama, redrawn under a U.S. Supreme Court directive to create a Black-majority district. To reclaim the House, Democrats would need to flip at least six seats in the 435-member chamber.
Tuesday’s election also marked a milestone in Delaware, where Democrat Sarah McBride made history as the first openly transgender member of Congress.
Analysts suggest the outcome in the House will hinge on fewer than 40 genuinely competitive races. Republicans have a chance to further expand their Senate majority with potential wins in Montana, where Democrat Jon Tester faces a challenging reelection bid, and in several Midwestern battlegrounds. However, achieving a 60-vote Senate majority to advance most legislation remains improbable.
Incumbent Republican Ted Cruz is projected to retain his Senate seat in Texas, overcoming a challenge from Democrat Colin Allred. In Nebraska, Republican Senator Deb Fischer is fending off an unexpectedly robust challenge from independent candidate Dan Osborn, who has not indicated his caucus preference if elected.
The incoming Senate is poised for a historic first, with two Black women — Democrat Angela Alsobrooks from Maryland and Democrat Lisa Blunt Rochester from Delaware — expected to serve simultaneously, according to multiple media projections.
House Control Remains Uncertain
While Republicans have gained ground in North Carolina, the battle for House control is still ongoing. Democratic strategists indicate the party could still secure enough seats to reclaim the chamber, though a sweeping victory akin to the “wave” elections of 2018 or 2010 appears unlikely.
Each party holds at least 200 safe seats, leaving the ultimate House majority likely to be narrow, which could complicate governance. The Republican caucus has experienced significant internal discord in recent years, resulting in leadership struggles and undermined efforts on issues like spending cuts and immigration reform.
Crucial races in Democratic strongholds such as New York and California could ultimately determine control of the House. Given California’s extended ballot-counting process, a conclusive outcome may take several days.
