The Republicans have regained control of the U.S. Senate, according to projections from CNN and other media outlets. This significant victory ends four years of Democratic dominance and grants them considerable clout in Washington. With this advantage, they will play a crucial role in confirming cabinet members for the upcoming president and any Supreme Court justices should a vacancy arise.
The Republican hold on the Senate could substantially influence domestic policies and shape the United States' international relations. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives remains undecided, with over 100 seats still contested. In states like California, the vote count is progressing at a slow pace, as reported by the Associated Press.
Democrats are hopeful to maintain control of the House, which could serve as a counterbalance to President-elect Donald Trump's agenda. Should the Republicans also secure the House, they would wield full control of Congress, smoothing the path for their political agenda. This includes extending Trump-era tax cuts and pushing strict measures on immigration and border security.
In Senate races, Republicans have locked down pivotal seats in conservative bastions such as West Virginia and Ohio, further solidifying their stance. On the Democratic side, they managed to hold onto a significant seat in Wisconsin. There, incumbent Tammy Baldwin triumphed over Republican Eric Hovde, thanks to a vote update from Milwaukee County that heavily favored Democrats.
However, races in Arizona, Michigan, and Nevada are still ongoing and could prove decisive for the Congressional power balance. With Mitch McConnell announcing his intention to step down, the Republican leadership in the Senate is poised for a transformation. This paves the way for new leadership aligned with Trump's policies if his presidency is officially confirmed.
The final results for the House of Representatives may take several more days, leaving the total control of Congress in limbo and the potential for a fully supported Trump administration uncertain.