Warnock, Ossoff win gives Democrats control of US Senate

Georgia Democratic candidates for US Senate Raphael Warnock, left, and Jon Ossoff, right, gesture towards a crowd during a campaign rally [File: Brynn Anderson/AP Photo]

Georgians elected Thomas Jonathan Ossoff simply called Jon Ossoff to the US Senate, CNN projected Wednesday, giving the Democratic Party control of Congress and the White House for the first time in a decade and delivering a stark repudiation of President Donald Trump as he tried to overturn his own loss.

Ossoff’s victory and that of fellow Georgia Democrat the Rev. Raphael Warnock flip the Senate, giving President-elect Joe Biden the power to potentially enact sweeping, liberal legislation and push through Cabinet nominations without Republican support. The Senate’s party split will be 50-50 with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris breaking tie votes.

With their victories, Democrats will control the House of Representatives, the White House and now the Senate in 2021, allowing Biden to enact his agenda with less resistance from Republicans.

While the chamber will have 50 Republicans and 50 Democrats (including two independent legislators who caucus with Democrats), Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will serve as tie-breaker.

Photo: AP