Republicans to retake Senate after flipping Democratic seats

SUMMARY

Republicans have reclaimed the Senate majority after flipping critical Democratic-held seats in West Virginia and Ohio, breaking the Democrats’ 51-49 control of the chamber. In West Virginia, Republican Governor Jim Justice defeated Democrat-turned-Independent Senator Joe Manchin’s vacant seat, while in Ohio, businessman Bernie Moreno ousted three-term Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown. These wins were essential for the GOP, especially in states that have trended increasingly conservative. Senate GOP Conference Chair John Barrasso (R-WY) stated that the party would prioritize “lower prices, less spending, secure borders, and American energy dominance,” and he emphasized the importance of the newly elected senators in implementing this agenda. Barrasso pledged that the GOP’s “Day One” priorities would focus on “getting the country back on track” with a conservative approach.