Louisiana Senate Runoff Election: Mary Landrieu Defeated, GOP Increases House, Senate Control for 114th Congress
The Republican Party gained a U.S. Senate seat for the 114th Congress as a result of Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana's loss to Republican candidate Bill Cassidy.
According to the Louisiana Secretary of State Office, the state's runoff election on Dec. 6 was a clean sweep for congressional GOP candidates. Republican Rep. Bill Cassidy won Landrieu's senate seat with a double-digit margin of victory. Cassidy received 55.94 percent of the vote, while Landrieu garnered 44.06 percent.
"Serving the people of Louisiana has been the greatest honor of my life," Landrieu said in a statement following her loss. "There has only been joy in the fight. And this has been a fight worth fighting because Louisiana has always been -- and always will be -- worth fighting for."
Cassidy thanked his supporters on Saturday, including on social media.
"Louisiana, you voted for change. It's an honor and a privilege to be your next senator," Cassidy tweeted. "We did it! Thank you voters, donors and volunteers. You made this victory happen. I'm looking forward to serving Louisiana in the Senate!"
Cassidy also thanked the Republican National Committee and its chairman, Reince Priebus for the "tremendous" supports." According to Cassidy, the RNC played a "crucial role" in his victory.
"Once again, voters have spoken clearly. They have rejected the Democrat agenda and the Obama-Clinton policies that have produced higher healthcare costs and job-killing regulations," Priebus said in a statement.
Landrieu encountered trouble from Democratic supports, such as the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC). The DSCC has set $2 million for funding if Landrieu faced a runoff election against Cassidy but the committee pulled back its funding. According to the Federal Election Commission, outside groups spent $11 million for Cassidy's campaign, while $2.1 million went for Landrieu.
With Cassidy's victory, the Republican Party increased its U.S. Senate majority to 54 senators for the 114th Congress. Republicans also hold 246 House seats while Democrats have 118 seats. One House seat remains open because of a recount in an Arizona district. According to Priebus, Cassidy will assist in the incoming Senate's policies to create jobs including the Keystone XL pipeline.
Cassidy's win also increased GOP control in Louisiana as both Senate seats are held by Republicans as well as the state's legislature, governor and five of six House of Representatives seats. In the south, Republicans have control of 19 of 22 Senate seats and 101 of 138 House seats for the 114th Congress.
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