[Graphic News] Republicans take Senate in midterm elections

Republicans secured a majority in the U.S. Senate and strengthened their grip on the House of Representatives in Tuesday’s midterm elections.

Republicans captured at least 52 seats in the 100-member Senate, gaining seven seats that had been held by Democrats. It is the first time in eight years the Republican Party has won control of the chamber.

With 36 Senate seats up for grabs, Republicans scored crucial victories in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Montana, North Carolina, South Dakota and West Virginia, all of which had been held by Democrats.

Republicans extended their majority in the 435-member House by at least 11 seats ― and possibly as many as 18 ― with a new majority of at least 243.

The Republicans picked up House seats in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Utah and West Virginia.

The final tally remained uncertain, with results still being counted for 14 seats, including for districts in California, Louisiana, New York, Hawaii and Minnesota.

Out of three dozen governors’ contests in states across the country, Republicans wrested control from Democrats in at least four races.

The Republicans prevailed in three states usually considered reliable strongholds for the Democratic Party ― Maryland, Massachusetts and President Barack Obama’s home state of Illinois.