Republicans Take Control Of The U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON (AP) – Republicans aren’t yet done adding to their numbers in the Senate. They’ve now won more than the six seats they needed to control the Senate next year.

Republican state lawmaker Joni Ernst is the winner over Democrat Bruce Braley in Iowa, in the battle for the seat held by longtime Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin, who is retiring.

Democratic incumbent Kay Hagan earlier lost the North Carolina Senate race to Republican Thom Tillis.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky is now in line to be majority leader, after winning re-election over Alison Lundergan Grimes.

Republicans have retained their House majority, expanding their numbers to near historic highs.

Speaker John Boehner of Ohio had little opposition in coasting to a 13th term and is likely to retain his top leadership post.