(NewsNation) – Republicans won control of the U.S. Senate after the party lost three votes Seats in Tuesday elections across the country, NewsNation/Decision Desk HQ projects. See The results of the presidential election can be found here.
Democrats have controlled the Senate since January 20, 2021 President Joe Biden took office. Of the 100 seats in the Senate, Democrats filled 47 in Tuesday’s election, while Republicans filled 49 seats. Although the GOP holds more seats, Democrats retain a slim majority with four independent U.S. senators holding the seat.
These include Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vermont), Sen. Angus King (Maine), Sen. Krysten Sinema (Arizona) and Sen. Joe Manchin (West Virginia).
Sanders, King and Manchin are all meeting with Democrats, while Sinema – a former registered Democrat – has said she will not meet with Republicans. USA Today reported. Because of these alliances, Democrats currently have a 51-49 majority despite holding fewer seats.
Both Sinema and Manchin are not seeking re-election.
A total of 34 Senate seats were up for re-election Tuesday, with Democrats and independents representing 23 of those races.
Three of the most closely watched races for incumbent Democrats are in key swing states that could decide the outcome of the presidential election.
Democratic in Michigan Rep. Elissa Slotkin faced the former Republican Rep. Mike Rogers to fill a void left by the resignation of the Democratic senator. Debbie Stabenow.
Incumbent in Ohio Senator Sherrod Brownthe only Democrat to hold statewide office in the Buckeye State was locked in a neck-and-neck race against his Republican challenger Bernie Morenoa businessman who is publicly supported former President Donald Trump.
Democratic incumbent in Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin was again in a tough race with the Republican investor Eric Hovdewho unsuccessfully ran for Senate in 2012.
Bloomberg reported that while the three swing state races remained among the most competitive in the country, the push for Sinema’s open seat in Arizona also represented another opportunity for Republicans to gain an advantage in a possible balance of power in the Senate.
democrat Rep. Ruben Gallegowho served five terms in Congress, hoped to lend a hand Democrats retain control of the seat Republican Kari Lakethe former Phoenix television news anchor and former gubernatorial candidate.
Manchin’s retirement from the West Virginia Senate seat he held for 14 years was expected to create an opening for Republicans seeking to flip enough seats to regain control of the chamber.
Jim Justicetwo-term Republican governor of West Virginia, built and maintained a gigantic lead above Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliottwhich should all but guarantee Republicans a Senate victory.
See NewsNation’s Choice Live blog with real-time analysis from our political experts and the latest statewide races, powered by Decision Office Headquarters. View live results from Presidential election, essential swing states And The Balance of power in Congress. NewsNation will also track your information Local elections And effective ballot initiatives across the country.
In addition to the question of which party controls the Senate, the leadership of the chamber could also change depending on the election outcome.
Democratically Sen. Chuck Schumer has been Senate majority leader since Democrats took power in 2021. Schumer is not up for re-election but would likely become Senate minority leader if the balance of power shifts toward Republicans.
The GOP’s leadership in the Senate will also change, as it has long had a presence in Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell announced earlier this year that he will resign as minority leader.
A trio of candidates has emerged as possible successors to McConnell, led by South Dakota Senator John Thunethe Senate Republican Whip as well Texas Sen. John Cornyn And Wyoming Senator John Barrasso.
