Democrats Maintain Control of Senate, Fending Off Strong Republican Challengers in Several Battleground Races

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

Though Republicans have long been expected to regain a majority in the House of Representatives this year, control of the Senate looked like it could swing either way, with Republicans appearing to have the slight advantage going into election night.

On Saturday, Nevada Sen.Catherine Cortez Masto— widely considered the most vulnerable Democratic senator on the ballot —won her reelection bid, handing the Democratic Party its 50th seat in the Senate and eliminating Republicans' only remaining path to the majority.

If Democratic Sen.Raphael Warnockof Georgia wins reelection inthe runoff electionagainst RepublicanHerschel Walkernext month, the Democratic Party will enter the next legislative session withone more Senate seatthan they currently have — anastonishing feat for the party of the presidentduring a midterm year.

If Walker successfully unseats Warnock, Democrats and Republicans will split the Senate 50-50,like it is now, with Vice PresidentKamala Harrisserving as the tiebreaker that gives Democrats a technical majority.

Chuck Schumer, leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus.Drew Angerer/Getty Images

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

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

Minority LeaderMitch McConnell, who has led the Senate Republican Conference since 2007, is also likely to secure another two-year term at the helm of the GOP caucus —unless the party sides with Florida Sen. Rick Scott, who is rumored to be eyeing the position and has already received the endorsement of former PresidentDonald Trump.

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source: people.com