Fox News Decision Desk projects GOP takes back Senate majority in devastating blow to Dems
The Fox News Decision Desk has projected that Republicans will regain control of the Senate in 2025 once the 119th Congress is sworn in. The GOP officially secured enough Senate seats in the 2024 elections to take the majority back from the Democrats, who have been led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer since 2021.
Republicans had a more favorable map in terms of which Senate seats were up for election in this cycle compared to the Democrats. The GOP had all their seats up for re-election in relatively safe states, and they were almost guaranteed a win in West Virginia to replace outgoing Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va. With a win in West Virginia and retaining all incumbents who were up for re-election, the GOP would already be at 50 members.
On the other hand, Democrats faced a tough battle, expected to lose Manchin’s seat and having to fight for outgoing Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s Arizona Senate seat. Several vulnerable Senate Democrats were up for re-election in red-voting states like Montana and Ohio, as well as in presidential battleground states like Wisconsin, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. Outgoing Sen. Debbie Stabenow’s seat in Michigan was also at risk of turning red.
With only a 51-member majority, Democrats could not afford to lose many races in the 2024 elections, given their vulnerabilities. The decrease in split-ticket voting made it even harder for Democrats to hang onto the majority, as many races were expected to be decided by the winner of the presidential race.
When Republicans vote for their new leader, they will also be selecting the next person to control the Senate floor after Schumer. The new GOP leader will succeed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving party leader in Senate history. The newly elected Republican senators will participate in a secret ballot.
For the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more, visit our Fox News Digital election hub. Julia Johnson, a politics writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, leads coverage of the U.S. Senate. Follow Julia’s reporting on Twitter at @JuliaaJohnson_ and send tips to Julia.Johnson@fox.com.
