REPUBLICANS HAVE won control of the Senate, a victory with big ramifications for policy and power in Washington no matter who ultimately wins the presidential contest between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, where Mr Trump has taken a clear lead.

Nonpartisan analysts say Republicans stand a good chance of taking back the Senate, where Democrats currently hold a 51-49 majority.

Republicans flipped control of the U.S. Senate after picking up seats in Ohio and West Virginia according to projections by The Associated Press, though there were too many uncalled House races early Wednesday to predict which party will hold that chamber when the new Congress begins in January.

In a significant political shift, Republicans seized control of the US Senate, ending four years of Democratic dominance. Key victories in Nebraska and West Virginia secured their majority, despite Democrats' efforts to target Republican seats.

Republicans won control of the U.S. Senate with victories in West Virginia and Ohio on Tuesday, ensuring that Donald Trump's party will control at least one chamber of Congress next year.