Published in Last Word
On Tuesday, Republicans took control of the Senate and expanded their majority in the House. Many ACEC-backed candidates from both parties prevailed, giving the Council a boost heading into the new Congress.
Republicans picked up seven Senate seats, with the possibility of adding to the total when contests in Alaska, Louisiana and Virginia are resolved. In the House, Republicans have netted thirteen additional seats, with more possible, which will be their largest margin since 1949.
ACEC/PAC was heavily invested in many close races, including the successful campaigns of Senate candidates Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Steve Daines (R-MT), and the re-election bids of Senators Pat Roberts (R-KS) and Thad Cochran (R-MS). Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), who was also backed by ACEC/PAC, is currently leading in the Virginia Senate race.
Overall, ACEC/PAC contributed to 279 campaigns, with the candidate winning in 265 of them and a few remaining to be decided. ACEC/PAC backed 168 Republicans, of whom 165 won, and 111 Democrats, of whom 100 won.
The industry lost a number of close friends in Congress, including Congressmen Nick Rahall (D-WV) and Tim Bishop (D-NY), the senior Democrats on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and Water Subcommittee respectively.
Click here for a complete rundown of House and Senate races.
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