Ernst Wins Iowa

Iowa Republican Joni Ernst has beaten Rep. Bruce Braley (D-IA) in the race to replace retiring Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) according to the Associated Press.

As of 12 AM EST, Ernst is beating Braley 51 percent to 45 percent with 82 percent of precincts reporting. 

With Ernst's victory, the Republican Party seized firm control of the United States Senate. By the time the AP called the race for Ernst, Republicans had already won Montana, South Dakota, West Virginia, North Carolina, Colorado, and Arkansas, netting them six seats, giving them 51 total. 

Ernst's Iowa seat gives the Republicans 52 seats, with Alaska possibly giving them 53 and Louisiana giving them 54.