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

• The extra seats could provide cushion against frequent detractors within the party like Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska).
• 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.

Between the lines: National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.) all cycle refused to publicly project winning more than a 51-seat majority in the Senate.

• GOP sources privately hoped for as many as 53 seats, if Trump had a good night.
• But as results poured in Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning, GOP hopes rose.