Republicans Gain Senate Control, Shifting Power in Washington

It's official: Republicans have taken control of the Senate, CNN reports. With several races still undecided, the GOP now has 52 seats. This shift in power comes after a series of wins, including in West Virginia and Ohio. West Virginia Governor Jim Justice won the seat left vacant by Democrat-turned-independent Joe Manchin. In Ohio, businessman and Trump supporter Bernie Moreno defeated long-time Senator Sherrod Brown. And in Montana, retired Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy beat three-term Democratic Senator Jon Tester. The GOP also saw victories in Florida and Texas. Senator Rick Scott easily won reelection, and Senator Ted Cruz defeated Democratic Rep. Colin Allred. Even in Nebraska, where an independent candidate outspent Republican forces, Senator Deb Fischer held her seat. Democrats faced an uphill battle this year, defending narrow control of the Senate in states Trump carried or lost narrowly in 2020. Key races in Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Arizona remain undecided. While there were few bright spots for Democrats, one was in Maryland, where Angela Alsobrooks became the fourth Black woman elected to the Senate. This power shift means the new GOP-led Senate can support Trump's agenda and shape the judiciary. It's a significant turnaround in Washington's balance of power.