US Senate election results 2016: Republicans set to retain control of legislative chamber after defying odds
The advantages of being in the majority are significant
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Republican party is set to retain control of the United States Senate as Donald Trump has won the US election.
Following their victory in Pennsylvania it became almost certain the GOP would keep the Senate - as long as they hold Louisiana and Alaska as expected.
Democrats kept their seat in Nevada, where Catherine Cortez Masto's win will make her the first Latina US senator.
The GOP retook the majority just two years ago. And even though control of the Senate is likely to be razor-thin whichever party ends up on top, the advantages of being in the majority are significant.
The controlling party holds the committee chairmanships, sets the legislative agenda and runs investigations. First up is likely to be a nominee to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court.
The party has also won enough seats to extend its six-year streak of commanding the House of Representatives for the new US congress.
With US election results still being counted, Republicans have won at least 218 House seats, exceeding the number needed to control the chamber.
The Democrats' chances of retaking the Senate majority were slipping away early Wednesday as Republicans hung onto key seats in Wisconsin, North Carolina, Indiana and Florida.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments