Cooper Flips North Carolina Senate Seat as Democrats Win Virginia

Roy Cooper’s North Carolina Senate win gave Democrats a seat they needed, and the party also won its first Senate race in Virginia. The gains came as votes were still being counted across the country, in an election that will decide whether President Donald Trump’s party keeps control of Congress. Early results offered Democrats a clear opening, but did not yet settle who would control the Senate. ^1,10

That opening began in North Carolina, where former governor Cooper defeated Republican Michael Whatley and flipped a Republican-held seat. Democrats also held seats in Georgia and New Hampshire, while Virginia joined the list of Senate wins in the latest update. All 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats were on the ballot. Republicans began with a 53-47 Senate edge, and Democrats needed to gain four seats to take control. ^1,10,15

That four-seat target matters because the Senate approves senior officials and Supreme Court justices, while the House can block bills and investigate the administration. A Democratic majority in either chamber would make it harder for Trump to carry out his plans. Voters’ concerns about high prices, the economy and the Iran war have weighed on Republicans. Early returns also showed Democratic strength in districts Republicans had redrawn to favor their party. Yet close races remained, including contests in Texas and South Carolina, and results were still incomplete. ^1,2,7

Those unfinished counts are the next test. Polls in Alaska were due to close at 1 a.m. Eastern on Wednesday, and some close races could take days or longer to call. Until election officials finish counting and news organizations call the remaining contests, it will remain unclear which party controls the Senate and how much the House may shift. ¹