With Democrat Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada and Mark Kelly of Arizona projected by Decision Desk HQ to keep their seats, the Democrats are poised to retain control of the Senate.
Democrats are now better positioned to pass a slew of policies, including potentially codifying Roe v. Wade, or getting rid of the filibuster.
“(This is) absolutely huge news because of the overall effect,” The Hill’s Niall Stanage said on NewsNation Saturday night. “Democrats hold the Senate. That was not anticipated before Tuesday.”
Democrats were running in the midterm elections under very unfavorable conditions, Stanage said, including high inflation, an unpopular president, and a “historic trend” where a president’s party loses seats in a midterm.
“In that respect, it’s remarkable. It’s a big disappointment for Republicans,” Stanage said. “There is going to be a lot of finger-pointing going on.”
Speaking Saturday night, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said his party has gotten a lot done.