The number of Latinos in the U.S. Senate is increasing from five to six — or possibly seven, if Democratic U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego wins his bid in Arizona.
The big picture: Latinos’ power in the next Congress is still unclear because seven races in the House remain undecided.
State of play: Ohio businessman Bernie Moreno (R) ousted Democrat Sherrod Brown on Tuesday, becoming the state’s first Latino senator.
- Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, a Republican, won decisively despite polls showing him neck and neck with his Democratic opponent, Colin Allred.
- Gallego is up three points over Republican challenger Kari Lake, but the race was too close to call as of Thursday morning.
In the House, the AP has yet to call the races for U.S. Reps. Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), Mike Garcia (R-Calif.), Yadira Caraveo (D-Colo.), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.), Anthony D’Esposito (R-N.Y.) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.).
- In Nebraska, Democrat Tony Vargas was down two points in his quest to become the state’s first Latino member of Congress in a district that is only 13% Hispanic. That race also hasn’t been called.
- Rep. Gabriel Vasquez (D-N.M.), whose contest looked to be close, won handily.
- In California, Democrat Rudy Salas failed to unseat U.S. Rep. David Valadao, who is of Portuguese heritage.
Currently, there are 49 Latinos in the House.
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