Democrats Oust GOP’s Curbelo in Florida House Race

(CN) - Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell has defeated incumbent Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo in the closely watched race in Florida's 26th Congressional District.

With 90 percent of precincts reporting, Mucarsel-Powell leads with 50.7 percent to Curbelo's 49.3 percent.

Her victory was the fifth for Democrats in House races Tuesday night. Earlier the party has scored victories in Virginia's 10th District, Florida's 27th District, Pennsylvania's 17th district, and Minnesota's 3rd District.

In Pennsylvania, with 70 percent of precincts reporting, Democrat Conor Lamb, defeated incumbent Republican Keith Rothfus, 59.4 percent to 40.6 percent. In Minnesota, with 92 percent of precincnts reporting, Democrat Dean Phillips ousted incumbent Republican Erik Paulsen, 56 percent to 44 percent.

As for the earlier reported races, with 99 percent of precincts of reporting, Democrat Jennifer Wexton's lead over Republican incumbent Barbara Comstock has solidified at 55.1 percent to 44.9 percent.

In Florida, meanwhile, with 98 percent of precincts reporting, Democrat Donna Shalala's lead is 51.7 percent to Republican Maria Elvira Salazar's 45.8 perncet. An independent candidate, Mayra Joli, has received the support for 2.5 percent of the electorate.

Democrats need a net gain of 23 seats to win the majority in the House, a goal that clearly remains within reach.

On the Senate side of the ledger, incumbent Republican Senator Ted Cruz is now projected to win the Texas Senate race, fending off a tough challenge from Democratic Representative Beto O’Rourke.

Cruz's victory, securing him a second term, is seen as going a long way toward helping the Republicans maintain their grip on the Senate majority.

Just as news of Ted Cruz's victory broke came word that Democratic Senator Heidi Heitkamp had been defeated by Republican Representative Kevin Cramer.

Heitkamp had long been seen as one of the most vulnerable Democrats up for reelection this year, her state going for President Trump by 36 points in 2016.

Cramer's victory means Republicans will retain control of the Senate.

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