At least four Republicans won seats previously held by Democrats, erasing the Democrats’ two-vote margin, and a handful of close races remain that could widen that Republican advantage. It means Republicans will chair every Senate committee, including those that oversee funding for science agencies, and that Senator Chuck Schumer (D–NY) will give way to either Senator John Thune (R–SD) or Senator John Cornyn (R–TX) as majority leader. That matters, as the majority leader sets the body’s agenda by deciding which bills can come up for a floor vote. A Republican majority in the Senate should provide an easier route to confirmation of Trump’s nominees for senior science positions.
Favored to retain the House of Representatives
