On November 4, Republicans and Democrats fought for control of Congress. The Republicans came out on top.
On November 4, Republicans and Democrats fought for control of Congress. The Republicans came out on top.
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky waves to supporters with his wife Elaine Chao on November 4, following his re-election.
Across the United States, voters went to the polls on Election Day and decided to give one party control of Congress. In January, the Republicans will have a majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The Republicans have controlled the House since 2011. Votes are still being counted in some races, but the Republicans gained at least 13 seats, which puts them on track to reach 246. That number of seats would give the party its biggest majority since World War II. All 435 members of the House serve two-year terms.
“We are humbled by the responsibility the American people have placed with us,” said Representative John Boehner of Ohio. “But this is not a time for celebration. It’s time for government to start getting results and implementing solutions to the challenges facing our country.” Boehner is expected to remain in the powerful position of Speaker of the House.
A Senate Majority
The key victory for the Republicans was in the Senate. The Democrats have controlled it since 2007. Republicans won a majority after gaining at least seven seats, bringing them to no less than 52 out of 100. Senators serve six-year terms.
In one of the most-watched races in the country, voters in Iowa elected Republican Joni Ernst, making her the state’s first female senator. “We’re taking the Iowa way all the way to Washington,” Ernst told supporters.
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky will most likely become the Senate Majority Leader. In an interview with TIME, McConnell said his party’s top priority is “to do everything we can to get America back to work.”
Votes are still being counted in Alaska and Virginia. In Louisiana, the election was too close to call. The state will have a runoff on December 6 between Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu and her Republican challenger, Representative Bill Cassidy.
Races for Governor
Republicans also did well in the gubernatorial races. Their candidates won the top job in states such as Massachusetts, Maryland, and Illinois, which often favor Democrats. The Republicans also held onto states including Kansas, Florida, and Wisconsin.
For Democrats, one bright spot was Pennsylvania, where Democrat Tom Wolf defeated Republican Governor Tom Corbett.
The Voters’ Message
Surveys of voters showed that many think the country is headed in the wrong direction. They are unhappy with the state of the economy, and they disapprove of President Barack Obama’s job performance. However, the surveys also show that both parties are viewed unfavorably by a majority of midterm voters.
Will a Republican-controlled Congress be able to work with President Obama, a Democrat? “We’re going to sit down and talk to him,” says McConnell, “and see what we might be able to agree upon.”
The day after the election, President Obama spoke to reporters about the Republican victory, and the changes to come in Congress. "The American people sent a message," he said. "They want us to get the job done.... I'm eager to work with the new Congress to make the next two years as productive as possible ."