Republicans win control of the Senate for next two years, reports NBC News

Senate Republicans are projected to maintain control of the Senate for the next two years, an analysis by NBC News stated. They were successful in winning key races in red states, securing the majority by flipping seats in states like West Virginia and Ohio, which have seen a strong shift towards the GOP. 

Additionally, they were able to retain their positions in states like Texas and Florida, ensuring they will have at least 51 seats when the new Congress convenes in January.

The Republican Party's success in securing victories in key Senate races has resulted in the party gaining control over legislation and nominations in the next presidential term. Despite the Democrats' efforts to bolster their incumbents and increase outside spending in red states, the GOP's strategic wins proved to be decisive. 

As a result, the GOP senators are preparing to elect a new leader next week, following Mitch McConnell's decision to step down from his position after serving for a record 18 years. Both Senator John Thune of South Dakota and Senator John Cornyn of Texas are vying for the leadership role as the new Congress convenes.

Republicans' chances in Senate race

On Election Day, Democrats held a narrow 51-49 majority. As expected, Republicans have secured an open Senate seat in heavily Republican West Virginia, with NBC News announcing that Governor Jim Justice has won the election to replace retiring Democratic-turned-independent Senator Joe Manchin.

Additionally, in the traditionally red state of Ohio, Republican candidate Bernie Moreno has emerged victorious over Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown, according to NBC News projections.

Furthermore, the Republican party is aiming to capture a Democratic-held Senate seat in Montana, where Democratic Senator Jon Tester will face a tough challenge against GOP competitor Tim Sheehy. Tester will need to once again defy political odds in order to retain his seat.

Five Democratic seats in competitive purple states were up for defence in the upcoming election cycle. These include Senator Bob Casey in Pennsylvania, an open seat in Michigan following Senator Debbie Stabenow's retirement, Senator Tammy Baldwin in Wisconsin, an open seat in Arizona left by Democrat-turned-independent Senator Krysten Sinema, and Senator Jacky Rosen in Nevada.

Despite these efforts, Democrats' chances of capturing a Republican-held seat in Texas diminished as Senator Ted Cruz secured re-election for a third term, as reported by NBC News.