Democrats flip US Senate in devastating blow to Trump
Democrats have taken control of the Senate on Wednesday (local time) after a crucial run-off in the US state of Georgia saw Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff beat Trump-backed Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue.
Warnock received 2.24 million votes, while Ossoff won 2.22 million votes, flipping the once Republican state and securing President-elect Joe Biden’s control of the Senate.
Warnock became the first Black Democrat elected to the Senate from the South, while 33-year-old Ossoff, the head of a video production company, will now embark on his first-ever term in public office.
The run-off occurred because neither of the major candidates in the two Georgia Senate races received enough votes on November 3 to win outright.
Now both Democrats lead their opponents by margins that are larger than the threshold required to trigger a recount under law.
“It is with humility that I thank the people of Georgia for electing me to serve you in the United States Senate,” Ossoff said on Twitter.
Joy comes in the morning. Thank you, Georgia. pic.twitter.com/Dw8wPWAMeI
— Senator-Elect Reverend Raphael Warnock (@ReverendWarnock) January 6, 2021
“Let’s unite now to beat this virus and rush economic relief to the people of our state and to the American people.”
Warnock also announced his success on Twitter, saying: “Joy comes in the morning.”
Wall Street has responded positively to news of a Blue Wave, with the Dow Jones adding 1.4 per cent to reach a record closing high and the S&P 500 rising about 0.6 per cent, with financials and materials stocks leading the charge.
What does a Democratic Senate mean for Joe Biden?
The Republican party has officially lost control of the Senate after six years of holding the majority in the chamber.
It now means Biden and his party control both houses of Congress, and can likely bank on smooth sailing when trying to pass new laws through the chamber.
It will also make it easier for Biden to appoint who he wants in key position in the government and his cabinet.
Protesters storm US Capitol
The news comes as chaotic scenes unfold at the US Capitol, with pro-Trump protesters storming the building.
CNN confirmed an explosive device had been found in the US Capitol complex, but they have since been blown up and rendered safe.
The building was placed into lockdown as Congress was in session to count and certify the Electoral College votes from the US Election.
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