Former South Dakota Republican Gov. Mike Rounds put another previously Democratic Senate seat in the GOP victory column Tuesday, prevailing in a three-way contest for the post left open by retiring Democrat Tim Johnson.
Rounds had long been considered the favorite over Democrat Rick Weiland and the independent in the race, Larry Pressler, who saw slight momentum in recent weeks. CNN called the race at 9 p.m.
With the Republican win in South Dakota, the GOP now has taken three of the six seats it needs to gain control of the Senate — assuming it doesn’t lose any seats it already holds.
When Johnson announced his retirement in 2013, it presented a natural opening for Republicans in a state that has become more conservative since President Obama took office.
