US Senate election results 2016: Republicans set to retain control of legislative chamber after defying odds

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The Republican party is set to retain control of the United States Senate as Donald Trump has won the US election.

Following their victory in Pennsylvania it became almost certain the GOP would keep the Senate - as long as they hold Louisiana and Alaska as expected.

Democrats kept their seat in Nevada, where Catherine Cortez Masto's win will make her the first Latina US senator.

The GOP retook the majority just two years ago. And even though control of the Senate is likely to be razor-thin whichever party ends up on top, the advantages of being in the majority are significant.

The controlling party holds the committee chairmanships, sets the legislative agenda and runs investigations. First up is likely to be a nominee to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court.

The party has also won enough seats to extend its six-year streak of commanding the House of Representatives for the new US congress.

With US election results still being counted, Republicans have won at least 218 House seats, exceeding the number needed to control the chamber.

The Democrats' chances of retaking the Senate majority were slipping away early Wednesday as Republicans hung onto key seats in Wisconsin, North Carolina, Indiana and Florida.