Republicans took a step toward winning control of the US Senate with a victory in West Virginia on Tuesday, while neither party appeared to have an edge in the battle for the House of Representatives.
But Republicans could also lose their grip on the House, where Democrats only need to pick up four seats to take back control of the 435-seat chamber. Republicans could secure their majority with a victory in Montana, where Democrat Jon Tester faces a difficult reelection battle, or Ohio, where Democrat Sherrod Brown likewise is locked in a close race.
But they are unlikely to end up with the 60-vote majority needed to advance most legislation in the chamber. That has been evident in the past two years as Republican infighting has led to failed votes and leadership turmoil and undercut the party’s efforts to cut spending and tighten immigration. A Democratic victory in the 2nd District, centered on Virginia Beach, could signal that the party is poised for significant gains.