Republicans take House, fail to capture Senate

The U.S. shifts decidedly to the right as the GOP makes gains in Congress, state legislatures, and governorships.

With results of U.S. midterm elections still coming in, Republicans are projected to pick up at least 60 spots for a majority in the 435-seat House of Representatives, the biggest gain in the lower chamber of Congress by any party since 1948. The Democrats will retain at least 50 seats in the 100-seat Senate. The far-right Tea Party Republicans elected their first candidates in Kentucky and Florida, but their most famous candidate Christine O’Donnell was defeated in Delaware. The new Senate will feature no black senators, as the sole African-American currently serving is stepping down, and none of three black senatorial candidates won election. The Democrats’ perceived mishandling of the economic crisis fueled the swing to the Republicans, but dissatisfaction with both parties remains high.