Democrats will expand their majority in the Senate by one seat after the run-off election in Georgia.
On Tuesday, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) defeated Herschel Walker (R).
As of Wednesday morning, Warnock was leading Walker by more than 70,000 votes.
BREAKING: Democratic incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock wins the Georgia Senate runoff, defeating Republican challenger Herschel Walker, CBS News projects. Democrats now hold a Senate majority of 51 seats. https://t.co/MpvceWK91y pic.twitter.com/RvrBw5QW1c
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 7, 2022
The results from the run-off will likely give Democrats a little bit of breathing room in the Senate as they will pick up one seat in the chamber, giving them a 51-49 seat majority.
While they could encounter trouble passing legislation as Republicans took control of the House, Democrats will still be able to confirm judges and other nominees with simple majorities. And they may not need Vice President Kamala Harris to cast the tie-breaking vote as often as she did over the past nearly two years.
President Joe Biden tweeted Tuesday night, “Just called [Warnock] to congratulate him on his win.”
“Tonight Georgia voters stood up for our democracy, rejected Ultra MAGAism, and most importantly: sent a good man back to the Senate. Here’s to six more years,” he added.
Just called @SenatorWarnock to congratulate him on his win.
— President Biden (@POTUS) December 7, 2022
Tonight Georgia voters stood up for our democracy, rejected Ultra MAGAism, and most importantly: sent a good man back to the Senate. Here’s to six more years. pic.twitter.com/ibx5aprVs3
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) issued a string of tweets celebrating the Georgia senator’s win.
“Senator Warnock’s well-earned victory is a victory for Georgia, and a victory for democracy and against MAGA Republican extremist policies,” he wrote in one.
Senator Warnock's well-earned victory is a victory for Georgia, and a victory for democracy and against MAGA Republican extremist policies.
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) December 7, 2022
Speaking to supporters, Warnock said, “After a hard fought campaign, or should I say campaigns, it is my honor to utter the four most powerful words ever spoken in a democracy: The people have spoken.”
Warnock was first elected in 2021 in a special election run-off. However, he had to run again in 2022 and will now serve a full six-year term.
While he held a lead over Walker after the November general election, he did not receive more than 50% of the vote which triggered Tuesday’s run-off election.
Walker conceded defeat on Tuesday as he told his supporters, “There’s no excuses in life.”
“And I’m not going to make any excuses now, because we put up one heck of a fight,” he added.