Democrats retain Senate control, Republicans ahead in race for House

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• The Democratic Party has retained control of the Senate for at least two more years.
• On Saturday, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto was declared the winner in Nevada after a tight reelection race against Republican challenger Adam Laxalt.
• Even if Republicans win in the Georgia runoff in December, a 50-50 split means Vice President Kamala Harris breaks the tie.

The Democratic Party has defended its Senate majority, securing control of Congress’ upper chamber for at least two more years.

On Saturday, Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, previously considered the most vulnerable Democratic senator on the ballot, won her reelection bid.

“We were on the edge of autocracy and thank God the American people pulled us back in this election,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said at a news conference on Sunday.

Masto defeated former Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump.  Her win takes the Democrats to the crucial number of 50 seats in the Senate, with the Republicans at 49.

The race in Georgia is set to go to a runoff on December 6. But, even if Republicans win there, a 50-50 split means the Senate would effectively be controlled by the Democrats because the tying vote falls to the vice president, Kamala Harris, a Democrat.

If Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock defeats Republican challenger Herschel Walker, it would give the Democrats outright majority control, fortifying its sway over committees, bills, and judicial picks.

“We’re focusing now on Georgia. We feel good about where we are,” President Joe Biden said on Sunday while meeting Southeast Asian heads of government in Cambodia. “I’m not surprised by the turnout. I’m incredibly pleased. And I think it’s a reflection of the quality of our candidates.”

Republicans, who are ahead on a tight race to seizing control of the House, have fallen well short of predictions they would sweep to power in Washington. It could take several more days before the outcome is known to determine which party will control the 435-seat chamber, with 218 needed for a majority.

Before the incoming senators convene in January, both major parties will caucus separately and elect their partisan Senate leader.

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who has led the Senate Democratic Caucus since 2017, will likely continue in his role.

Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is also likely to secure another two-year term at the helm of the GOP caucus unless the Republican party sides with Florida Sen. Rick Scott, who has already received Trump’s endorsement.

Source: Reuters