Republicans have officially won control of the United States Senate, Fox News projected, following a win in the Nebraska Senate race.
Democrats previously held a 51-seat majority to Republicans’ 49 in the U.S. Senate. However, Republican incumbent senators have seemingly held onto their seats, particularly in Nebraska, where GOP Sen. Deb Fischer fended off a tough challenge from Independent Dan Osborn.
Holding onto their seats, Republicans further expanded their numbers after flipping previously blue seats in West Virginia and Ohio.
GOP Gov. Jim Justice flipped the seat of retiring West Virginia Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin, while Republican Bernie Moreno defeated incumbent Democrat Sen. Sherrod Brown in Ohio.
With these victories, Republicans’ now hold a 51-seat majority over Democrats. However, there is still time for the GOP to expand this lead further.
As of midnight, Republican Tim Sheehy leads incumbent Democrat Sen. Jon Tester in Montana, a seat for which the GOP has set their sights on heavily during this election cycle.
Republicans are also facing competitive Senate races in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Arizona, opening even more opportunities for the party to expand their majority in the Senate.