Republicans have emerged from Tuesday’s midterm elections with control of Congress for the first time in eight years. In the most expensive midterm in history, Republicans took control of the Senate and strengthened their majority in the House. Republican candidates won at least 10 of the day’s 13 closely contested Senate races, giving the party control of the Senate for the first time since 2007. Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell is expected to become the next Senate majority leader after defeating Democrat Alison Lundergan Grimes. McConnell celebrated his victory in Kentucky.

Sen. Mitch McConnell: “Friends, this experiment in big government has lasted long enough. It’s time to go in a new direction. It’s time to turn this country around. And I will not let you down. Thank you so much.”