Nevada victory ensures Democrats hold Senate

The Democrats have kept control of the US Senate for two more years, dashing Republican hopes of a wave sweeping them into majority.

The fate of the House of Representatives was still uncertain as the Republicans struggled to pull together a slim majority there.

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto’s victory in Nevada gave Democrats the 50 seats they needed to keep the Senate.

Her win reflects the surprising strength of Democrats across the US in this year’s elections.

Seeking re-election in an economically challenged state that has some of the highest petrol prices in the nation, Ms Cortez Masto was considered the Senate’s most vulnerable member, adding to the frustration of Republicans who were confident she could be defeated.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer claimed victory on Saturday night, tweeting: “Your Senate Democratic Majority!”

With the results in Nevada now decided, Georgia is the only state where both parties are still competing for a Senate seat.

Democratic incumbent Senator Raphael Warnock faces GOP challenger Herschel Walker in a December 6 run-off.