GOP eyes Senate majority of their dreams after riding Trump's coattails

Senate Republicans now have a 54- or even 55-seat majority within reach after an unexpectedly strong performance by former President Trump in swing states with competitive down-ballot races.

Why it matters: Nothing is final, but coattails from Trump could give the next Senate GOP's leader their biggest majority in years.

The extra seats could provide cushion against frequent detractors within the party like Sens. Susan Collins (R-Me.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Ak.).
It also means Democrats will have to work even harder to gain back a majority in 2026, despite being handed a much more favorable map in that cycle.

Catch up quick: The GOP cinched a majority with Bernie Moreno's win in Ohio, ousting longtime Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown.

A Trump victory in all three "blue wall" states could get GOP Senate candidates over the line in Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Votes were still being counted as of early Wednesday morning, with races too close to call.

Trump was also leading in Nevada, although GOP Senate candidate Sam Brown was considered a longshot.