 "Republicans retake the Senate: Why does the US Senate race matter?")
Republicans will hold at least 51 out of the 100 Senate seats, as the GOP is set to assume control when the new United States Congress assembles in January next year.
The Senate shift, bolstered by high-profile wins in West Virginia and Ohio, represents the first major victory of the election for Republicans. Republicans’ early gains position them well to bolster what is now looking like another Trump presidency.
Jim Justice, West Virginia’s governor, secured the open Senate seat left by Democrat-turned-independent Joe Manchin, marking a decisive GOP capture.
Meanwhile, Ohio saw Bernie Moreno, a business magnate and ardent Trump supporter, defeat three-term Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown, symbolising Ohio’s recent swing to a solidly Republican state.
The Republican Senate majority could profoundly influence presidential appointments, judicial confirmations, and the course of legislative priorities.
With control of the Senate, Republicans are now positioned to advance Trump’s potential judicial nominations and proposed policies, from cabinet appointments to judicial picks.
Beyond West Virginia and Ohio, Republican incumbents including Ted Cruz in Texas and Rick Scott in Florida successfully defended their seats against Democratic challengers, thwarting the Democrats’ hopes of making inroads. Cruz faced a substantial challenge from Democratic Rep. Colin Allred, but ultimately maintained his seat.
In Florida, Scott easily overcame a campaign by former Democratic Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, who focused on opposing the state’s six-week abortion ban. Despite Democrats’ efforts, their opportunities to gain ground diminished quickly throughout the night.
Republicans also defended seats in competitive races in Nebraska, where incumbent Senator Deb Fischer won against independent candidate Dan Osborn, and Pennsylvania, where Republicans managed to flip a House district.
Democrats, however, did manage to secure some victories, including a historically significant win in Delaware by Lisa Blunt Rochester.
Why the US Senate race matters
The Senate’s role extends beyond legislation to crucial oversight of executive appointments, judicial confirmations, and even foreign treaties. One unique Senate power lies in its ability to confirm presidential nominations, shaping everything from the Supreme Court to cabinet-level positions.
In recent decades, the Senate’s filibuster — a tactic allowing senators to indefinitely prolong debate and delay votes — has become a pivotal tool, requiring a three-fifths majority (60 votes) to end it.
Beyond domestic matters, foreign policy is also inextricably linked to Senate decisions. With US military and financial aid being sent to allies globally, the Senate’s new GOP majority holds considerable influence over such allocations.
Also Read: How do the House of Representatives and Senate function?
This change is especially significant for Ukraine, as American support has been vital amid the ongoing war with Russia. Experts note that if Trump returns to office, a Republican-led Senate could significantly reduce US support for Ukraine, altering the country’s military position against Russian forces.
Trump has suggested he would ‘stop the war within 24 hours’ if reelected, though no further details were provided. Such statements have led analysts to speculate that Trump might use funding cuts as leverage to pressure Kyiv into a peace settlement.
How a GOP-led Senate will affect Ukraine
US aid to Ukraine, amounting to nearly $108 billion since the war began till August this year, has been instrumental in Ukraine’s fight against Russian forces. However, rising opposition within Republican ranks signals potential challenges for continued support.
Republican Senate leaders and Trump’s running mate JD Vance have expressed opposition to further funding.
A Harris administration, although unlikely, would have been committed to supporting Ukraine, but would still likely face obstacles from a GOP-led Senate. Despite her pledge to sustain aid, securing additional funding through a Republican-majority Senate may prove challenging, leaving Ukraine’s future reliance on US support uncertain.
European Union member states have contributed more than €161 billion ($175 billion) in total support for Ukraine, underlining the extent of Western commitment. However, many US lawmakers are wary of further allocations, especially given mounting domestic financial concerns and funding fatigue.
Who controls the House?
With Senate control secured, Republicans also made strides in the House of Representatives, though the final outcome remains in limbo. Gains in states like North Carolina, where GOP-favoured redistricting helped secure Republican victories, have bolstered the party’s House position.
However, Democrats retained some seats, notably in New York and California, meaning the final outcome may not be known for days due to extended ballot counts. Democrats need at least six additional seats to capture the House, with only about 40 competitive seats in play.
This slim Republican majority foreshadows a potential era of legislative gridlock. Recent years have already seen Republican divisions create hurdles within their ranks, challenging efforts on immigration reform and spending cuts.
Also Watch:
With inputs from agencies
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
