On Nov. 5, voters across the U.S. cast final ballots that will set the direction of the country, state and local municipalities for years to come. Heading into Election Day, Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump were locked in a tight race for the White House, and control of both the U.S. Senate and House was hanging in the balance.
Democrats and Republicans are battling for control of the U.S. Senate this election. There are 34 Senate seats up for grabs, with about a half dozen of those likely to be decided by tight margins. The winners of each race will serve six-year terms in the Senate.
Democrats currently hold a 51-seat majority in the upper chamber, which includes four independent Senators who caucus with them. Republicans only need to regain control of two seats to flip the Senate. A handful of Democratic incumbents are running tough reelection races in Republican-leaning and swing states, including Ohio, Montana, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, while Democrats are hoping for upsets in Texas, Florida and Nebraska.
The winner of the White House could also tip the balance of the Senate, as the vice president has authority to cast a tie-breaking vote when legislation is deadlocked. Vice President Kamala Harris set the record for the most tie-breaking votes during her term.
All 435 House seats are up for election this year, and a handful of close match ups could decide which party controls the 119th Congress’ lower chamber. Republicans are vying to keep their current slim majority, while Democrats hope to flip enough seats to take over. There are about two dozen tossup House races, where either party could come away with the win regardless of incumbency, according to Cook Political Report.
