Europe 1 with AFP / Photo credits: MANDEL NGAN / AFP
03h22, 06 November 2024
In parallel with the US presidential election between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, Republicans won a senatorial seat previously held by Democrats in the US state of West Virginia. Democrats currently have a very narrow majority in the Senate, 51 seats to 49.
Republicans won a Senate seat previously held by Democrats in the US state of West Virginia on Tuesday, with the presidential election becoming a tight fight for control of Congress. Supported by Donald Trump, Jim Justice won this senatorial election in this mountainous and rural state, formerly known for its coal mines.
51 seats to 49 for the Democrats
This seat was occupied by Joe Manchin, a former Democrat who did not run, and a Republican victory was expected in this right-leaning state. Democrats currently have a very narrow majority in the Senate, 51 seats to 49, and any seat taken by Republicans endangers their chances of retaining control of that chamber.
Jim Justice was re-elected governor of West Virginia in 2020. The State Constitution limits the exercise of this position to two consecutive terms, so he aimed for the Senate. During this November 5 election, 34 of the 100 Senate seats were up for grabs.
