Senate control hangs in the balance

Biden is leading in the race to the White House, but the picture is less rosy for Democrats down ballot – the party looks to have won a reduced majority in the House of Representatives and has struggled to gain seats in the Senate.

If the Republicans retain control of the Senate, it would severely hamstring a potential Biden administration. 

The Democrats need a net gain of four seats to take control. Thus far they have managed to flip a seat in Colorado, with John Hickenlooper defeating incumbent Cory Gardner; while Gary Peters held off a fierce challenge to retain his seat in Michigan.

The Republicans won back Alabama, with Tommy Tuberville defeating Doug Jones; incumbents Joni Ernst and Susan Collins held on in Iowa and Maine respectively.

Races in Georgia and North Carolina remain too close to call, while another contest in Georgia is heading for a potentially critical runoff election on January 5.  

Read more: Senate battles that could make or break the next president