According to recent projections, Republicans are expected to flip a Senate seat in West Virginia, with Governor Jim Justice likely to succeed retiring Democrat-turned-independent Senator Joe Manchin. This development is seen as a significant boost to the GOP's chances of gaining control of the Senate.
In other Senate projections, GOP Representative Jim Banks is anticipated to become Indiana's next senator, securing a Republican seat. Additionally, GOP Senators Rick Scott of Florida and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee are predicted to win reelection, along with Democratic Senators Chris Murphy of Connecticut, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island. Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, who caucuses with Democrats, is also expected to win reelection.
The Senate currently has a narrow Democratic majority, with Democrats defending 20 out of the 34 Senate seats up for election this year, while Republicans are defending 13.
House Race Outlook
Looking at the House races, Democrats are favored in 208 races, while Republicans are favored in 212, based on pre-election House race ratings from the nonpartisan analysis site Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales. With only 15 races categorized as toss-ups, it is likely that neither party will hold a substantial majority in the House next year.
It is important to note that the final balance of power in Congress has not yet been determined, as voters are still casting their ballots in several states. Washington Representative Suzan DelBene, who heads the House Democrats' campaign operation, mentioned that it may take a week or more before the official control of the House is established.
