Published: 09:47, November 8, 2024
Republicans projected to widen Senate majority with Pennsylvania victory
By Reuters
Republican US Senate candidate Dave McCormick and wife Dina Powell thank supporters after declaring victory in a closely contested race with incumbent Senator Bob Casey on Nov 6, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (PHOTO / AFP)

WASHINGTON - Donald Trump's Republicans were projected to pick up another US Senate seat on Thursday and appeared to be retaining their hold on the House of Representatives, putting them on track to control both chambers of Congress next year.

Several media outlets projected that Republican Dave McCormick would defeat Democratic Senator Bob Casey in Pennsylvania, giving Trump's party at least 53 seats in the 100-seat chamber next year. That margin could climb as high as 55 seats if Republicans win close races in Arizona and Nevada, which remain uncalled.

READ MORE: Trump's Republicans win control of US Senate, make gains in House

In the battle for the House, Republicans were edging closer to victory. Republicans had secured 209 seats, putting them just nine short of a majority in the 435-seat chamber. Democrats would have to win 23 of the 31 remaining uncalled races to take a House majority and maintain a toehold on power in Washington.

Cartogram showing results of 2024 US elections for the House of Representatives, according to US media, as of Nov 7, 0901 GMT. (GRAPHIC / AFP) 

A final result for Tuesday's election may not be known for some time, as 10 of the outstanding races are in California, which typically takes several days to count ballots.

With control of the Senate, Republicans will be in a position to confirm Trump's personnel and judicial appointments, though they will still be short of the 60 votes needed to quickly advance most legislation.

READ MORE: Trump's return to power fueled by Hispanic, working-class voter support

If they control the House as well, they would be able to help Trump deliver on campaign promises like cutting taxes and dramatically restricting immigration.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump listens as Republican Pennsylvania Senate candidate Dave McCormick speaks at a campaign rally in Lititz, Pennsylvania, Nov 3, 2024. (PHOTO / AP)

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The other uncalled competitive Senate races are in Nevada, where incumbent Democrat Jacky Rosen led Republican challenger Sam Brown by 1 percentage point with 94 percent of the estimated vote counted, and in Arizona, where Democrat Ruben Gallego was leading Republican Kari Lake by 2 percentage points with 70 percent of the estimated vote counted.