The Republican Party has regained control of the U.S. Senate, fulfilling what was considered one of their most achievable goals in this election cycle. The GOP seized the majority as Democrats lost their narrow one-seat edge in the 100-member upper chamber.
Republicans picked up two key Senate seats, with Trump-endorsed candidate Bernie Moreno defeating three-term Democrat Sherrod Brown in Ohio, and Trump loyalist Jim Justice flipping the West Virginia seat previously held by Democrat Joe Manchin.
Meanwhile, Republican incumbents defended their seats in battleground states, with Ted Cruz defeating Collin Allred in Texas and Rick Scott overcoming Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in Florida.
In Nebraska, independent candidate Dan Osborn launched a strong challenge against Republican Deb Fischer, but Fischer ultimately retained her seat.
As of early Wednesday, a few remaining Senate races had yet to be called, with Republicans still eyeing additional gains. The GOP majority gives the party significant influence over the confirmation process for senior officials and potential Supreme Court justices in the new administration.
* Reuters contributed to this report.
