Unsurprisingly, the Republicans regained control of the Senate, one of the two chambers of Congress. They won the seat of Montana and West Virginia, which was widely anticipated, but also of Ohio, in a close race, ultimately won by businessman Bernie Moreno.
The Democrats were more vulnerable than their rivals, since they controlled 23 of the 34 seats at stake.
The night’s first victory came in West Virginia, when the state’s Republican governor, Jim Justice, was declared the winner in the former seat of Democrat-turned-independent Joe Manchin, who was not running for re-election.
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A little later in the evening, in Ohio, Republican Bernie Moreno beat Democrat Sherrod Brown, in office since 2007, by 50% of the votes against 46% for his rival.
A sign of the race’s importance: Spending by both parties totaled $500 million, making it the most expensive Senate race of the year.
Bernie Moreno, who was born in Colombia, will be the first Latino to represent Ohio in the Senate.
During his acceptance speech in Cleveland, he pledged to serve all Ohioans and work to win over those who voted against him.
It’s another victory for a candidate backed by Donald Trump, who appeared in ads for Moreno in the final days of the campaign. The newly elected thanked him and hailed him as the best president of his generation.
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Newly elected Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno at election night in Westlake, Ohio with his wife Bridget on November 5, 2024.
Photo : Associated Press / Sue Ogrocki
Thank you for the sacrifices you have made for this country
Moreno said, addressing Trump. This country owes Donald Trump a debt of gratitude. As well as Senator JD Vance [sénateur de l’Ohio et candidat à la vice-présidence de Donald Trump].
In Texas and Florida, Republicans Ted Cruz and Rick Scott were easily re-elected, shattering Democrats’ dreams of an uncertain but nonetheless possible victory.
Analysts expect another seat to change hands in Montana, where Democrat Jon Tester, in power since 2007, is in a poor position against Republican Tim Sheehy.
With these three additions, the Republicans would obtain 51 seats, thus ensuring them a majority in the Upper House.
Republicans are also ahead in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, three seats currently held by Democrats.
As for the House of Representatives, the results are still very fragmentary.
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With information from Agence France-Presse
