Democrats keep control of Senate in best midterm results for sitting party in 20 years

The Democratic party will keep control of the US Senate after achieving the best midterm election results for a sitting party in 20 years.

Joe Biden's party is set to hold the Senate thanks to Senator Catherine Cortez Masto's projected victory over Republican challenger Adam Laxalt in the key state of Nevada.

Laxalt was backed by former US president Donald Trump, but he looks set to face defeat in the state.

In the US Senate, the Democrats will now have 50 seats, with the Republicans on 49.

There is still one seat left to declare, with Georgia going to a run-off in December between Democrat Raphael Warnock and the former American football star Herschel Walker running as a Republican.

If the Republican party were to win that seat, the two parties would be equally divided in the Senate.

But Vice-President Kamala Harris would have the casting vote, meaning the Democrats would keep control following these crucial midterm elections.

Hum Images / Alamy Stock Photo

US President Joe Biden has said he is 'incredibly pleased' by the result, adding that the Republicans need to decide 'who they are'.

Speaking in Cambodia, where he is attending the Asean summit, President Biden said: "I'm not surprised by the turnout. I'm incredibly pleased. And I think it's a reflection of the quality of our candidates.

"I feel good, and I’m looking forward to the next couple of years.

Chuck Schumer, the Senate majority leader added: "This election is a victory. A victory and a vindication: for Democrats, our agenda, and for the American people.

"The American people rejected the anti-democratic extremist Maga Republicans."

The Republicans could still take control of the US House of Representatives as votes continue to be counted from a few districts.

If the party were to win the House, then they could have a real say in tarnishing President Biden's agenda.

Geopix / Alamy Stock Photo

However, the Republicans are struggling to reach the 218 required to recapture the House, and with current projections, may at most have a small majority.

Like with his unsuccessful 2020 election, Donald Trump has been making dubious claims about the midterms.

Taking to his Truth Social platform, the former president said: "The Democrats are finding all sorts of votes in Nevada and Arizona. What a disgrace that this can be allowed to happen!"

Despite the disappointing results, Trump is expected to launch his 2024 US presidential bid in the coming days.

But some in his own party are turning against him, with some now favouring Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as the next leader.

As reported by The Guardian, some in the Republican party are now ready to place their bets behind DeSantis to become the GOP's 2024 candidate.