By Tim Reid and Kanishka Singh
PHOENIX, 13 Nov. (Reuters) – Democrats retained control of the US Senate, handing President Joe Biden a major victory and dashing hopes of the “red wave” Republicans were hoping for before the midterm elections.
Biden – who was battling low approval ratings ahead of Tuesday’s election, in part due to public frustration with inflation – said the result had him looking forward to the rest of his term.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer described it as a “win and vindication” for Democrats and their agenda. He also accused the Republican Party of stoking fear and division during the campaign.
Republicans, however, have remained close to taking control of the House of Representatives as officials continue to count votes. It could be several days before the results of enough elections are known to determine which party controls this 435-seat chamber.
The results of several elections, including those in liberal-leaning California, kept coming. By Saturday’s end, Republicans had won 211 of the 218 seats needed for a majority, ahead of Democrats with 205.
“The American people have rejected the undemocratic, authoritarian, ugly and divisive direction that MAGA Republicans wanted to take in our country,” Schumer said after Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto re-elected in Nevada, who sealed control of the House Democrats by Biden. .
Democrats would control the Senate, as they have for the past two years, with 50 of its 100 seats, as Vice President Kamala Harris has a casting vote.
If Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock wins the Dec. 6 runoff in Georgia over Republican Herschel Walker, a 51-49 majority would give Democrats an added advantage in passing the few bills that can move forward with a simple majority instead. of the 60. required for most legislation.
“Now our focus is on Georgia. We feel good where we are,” Biden said in Cambodia on Sunday ahead of an East Asia summit. “I am incredibly pleased with the participation.”
Former President Donald Trump has had his eye on the 2022 midterm elections all year, using his continued popularity among far-right conservatives to sway Republican Party candidates for Congress, governors and elections locals.
Faced with the mediocre results of the Republicans – even if they get a narrow majority in the House of Representatives – Trump has been accused of promoting candidates who were unable to attract a large enough electoral college.
A Republican defeat in Georgia could further erode the popularity of Trump, who aides say is considering announcing a third run for president this week in 2024.
The result could raise the chances that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who defeated his Democratic challenger on Tuesday, will choose to challenge Trump for the 2024 presidential nomination.
(Reporting by Tim Reid in Phoenix and Kanishka Singh, Richard Cowan and Jason Lange in Washington; Screenplay by Kanishka Singh; Spanish editing by Carlos Serrano)
