US Election: Republicans Reclaim Senate Majority, Set to Influence Key Appointments

Republicans have regained control of the U.S. Senate, reclaiming the chamber for the first time in four years. This victory represents a significant shift in Washington’s political landscape, granting the GOP substantial influence over national policy and governance.

With the Senate majority, Republicans now hold considerable power in confirming the next president’s Cabinet members and will play a key role in nominating and confirming future Supreme Court justices if vacancies arise. This control enhances the GOP’s ability to push through its legislative agenda and influence key areas of government administration.

However, while the Senate majority is a major triumph for the GOP, the battle for control of the House of Representatives remains unresolved. More than 100 House races across the country are still being contested, with critical races in states like New York and California remaining fiercely competitive. Given the close nature of these contests, results may take several days to finalize.

Political analysts are closely watching whether trailing candidates in these tight races can catch up, emphasizing the importance of accurate and reliable race calls. For real-time updates on congressional races, this page will serve as a central hub for the latest information. Comprehensive coverage of the presidential race and more detailed election results can also be found through the AP’s results hub.

The Republican majority in the Senate sets the stage for key developments in the coming months, with potential ramifications for both national policy and the broader electoral landscape.

Rep. Elise Stefanik Re-Elected for Sixth Term

In other developments, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) has been re-elected to her sixth term in the House of Representatives, continuing her leadership as the highest-ranking woman in the Republican Party. As the GOP conference chair, Stefanik has seen her political profile rise sharply, especially after her shift from a moderate stance to becoming a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump.

Her rise to the third-highest GOP leadership position came after Rep. Liz Cheney was ousted for her outspoken condemnation of Trump’s false election fraud claims and his role in the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol attack.

Republican Control of the Senate and Tight House Races

As control of the Senate shifts to Republicans, the House remains in a state of uncertainty. The ongoing House races across various districts are crucial for both parties. For Republicans, winning control of the House would grant them full control of Congress, while for Democrats, retaining the majority would serve as an important counterbalance to GOP power and facilitate compromise in Washington.

Some of the most closely watched races are unfolding in New York and California, where counting may take several days. In Arizona, Democrat Ruben Gallego leads Republican Kari Lake by over 117,000 votes, based on 1.8 million ballots counted so far. Gallego’s strong performance in Maricopa and Pima counties, the state’s largest voting centers, gives him a significant advantage.

Governor Races and Other Key Contests

In Utah, Republican Spencer Cox was re-elected as governor, defeating Democratic Rep. Brian King and conservative write-in candidate Phil Lyman, who had urged his supporters to vote for him after losing the Republican primary. Cox, a moderate Republican, made waves this summer by voicing support for Trump following an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally. The Associated Press declared Cox the winner at 12:29 a.m. EST.

In Nebraska, Republican Sen. Deb Fischer’s victory over Independent challenger Dan Osborn secured the GOP’s control of the Senate. Fischer led Osborn by 3 percentage points, with the remaining uncounted votes primarily from rural counties, which helped solidify her win.

Republican Leadership Race and GOP Strategy Moving Forward

The race for leadership within the new Republican Senate conference is also heating up. South Dakota Senator John Thune, currently the No. 2 GOP senator, remains a strong contender. Thune was initially seen as the natural successor to Mitch McConnell, but his path has become more contested over the past year.

Following the Senate’s return to Republican control, Thune expressed optimism about turning the page on what he called a “reckless” chapter of American history, stating, “I look forward to working with President Trump and our new conservative majority to make America great again by making the Senate work again.”

In Ohio, Sen. Sherrod Brown, a three-term Democrat, conceded his race to Republican businessman Bernie Moreno. Brown called the loss a disappointment but emphasized his commitment to fighting for organized labor, women’s healthcare, and civil rights. Moreno, in Cleveland, expressed his gratitude to Trump supporters and declared, “What we have tonight is a red, white, and blue wave.”