In one of the most hotly contested elections in recent history, the nation has woken up to a series of dramatic results that will shape the future of U.S. politics. With the final votes tallying in, the election has produced some surprising shifts in both the presidency and the balance of power in Congress. Here’s a breakdown of the results.
Presidential Race: A Huge Victory for Donald Trump
In the presidential race, Republican candidate Donald Trump has been declared the winner, narrowly defeating Democratic incumbent Kamala Harris in an unprecedented finish. As of the latest results, Donald Trump has secured 295 electoral votes, while Kamala Harris garnered 226 votes.
- Donald Trump: 50.9% of the popular vote (76,070,290 votes as of Nov. 15)
- Kamala Harris: 47.6% of the popular vote (73,136,670 votes as of Nov. 15)
The race was decided in several key swing states, where voter turnout surged. Trump flipped states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Wisconsin, which were crucial to his victory, even as races in Arizona and Nevada remained undeclared.
The Republican win marks a shift in the White House after Joe Biden’s presidency, with Donald Trump now set to take office for a second term.
Senate: Republicans Gain Control
In the Senate, Republicans made significant gains, capturing several closely watched seats. With these victories, Republicans now hold a 52-seat majority, while Democrats have 45 seats.
In one of the most high-profile races, Democratic incumbent Sherrod Brown lost his bid for re-election in Ohio. Meanwhile, Republicans picked up the seat previously held by retiring independent Senator Joe Manchine of West Virginia. Another loss for Democrats came in Montana, where Senator Joe Tester, who had been re-elected in three prior elections despite his state’s deep-red leanings, lost his re-election bid.
The shift in control of the Senate could give Republicans full control over the legislative agenda, with both chambers of Congress now in Republican hands. This would have a significant impact on policy-making for the next two years, leading up to the 2026 general elections.
- Republican Party: 53 seats (as of Nov. 15)
- Democratic Party: 47 seats (as of Nov. 15)
House of Representatives: Republicans Lead for Majority
All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives were up for election, with 69 of them being particularly competitive. To regain a majority, Democrats need to secure four additional seats.
As of the morning of Nov. 7, neither party had officially claimed control of the House. Republicans held 205 seats, while Democrats had secured 190. A total of 218 seats is required for a majority.
Given that the Senate and the White House have already shifted to Republican control, President-elect Donald Trump will have significant power when he is sworn in on January 20, 2025. The party in control of the House can set the legislative agenda, including initiating spending legislation and potentially launching impeachment proceedings.
- Republican Party: 218 seats (as of Nov. 15)
- Democratic Party: 209 seats (as of Nov. 15)
Governor’s Races: Tight Contests Across the Country
Eleven governor’s seats were up for election this year. Voters in states including Indiana, Missouri, New Hampshire, Montana, Delaware, North Carolina, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, Utah, and Washington made their own decisions. Gubernatorial races this year have largely focused on state-level issues, such as education policy and abortion rights.
As of Nov. 15, Republicans have secured 27 governorships, while Democrats have won 23.
- Republican Governors elected: 27 (as of Nov. 15)
- Democratic Governors elected: 23 (as of Nov. 15 mm)
Looking Ahead: The Future of U.S. Politics
With the election results now settling, all eyes will turn to the upcoming legislative battles and policy debates. The newly-elected president Donald Trump faces the task of navigating a new Congress, with a Republican-controlled Senate and potentially a Republican-controlled House.
The newly-shifted Senate is expected to play a key role in shaping the nation’s direction in the coming years. As both parties adjust their strategies in response to this changing political landscape, 2024 is poised to be a transformative year for U.S. politics.
This is a developing story.
