NewsNation was the first network to project Democrats would control both chambers of Congress following Tuesday’s midterm elections. The network made its House projection at 9:11 PM ET before calling the Senate at 11:21 PM ET.
What We Know: NewsNation became the first television network to project Democratic control of the House of Representatives and Senate. The network made the House call shortly after 9 PM ET, followed by its Senate projection just over two hours later. Notably, NewsNation is the only network using Decision Desk HQ data in its election coverage. The election data provider has become a central part of the network’s decision-making process as results came in across the country.
What They Said: “It’s the biggest call of the night so far. Decision Desk HQ can now project the Democrats will take control of the United States Senate. Here are the races that gave them control. We’ll put them up right now. We have been waiting on Sherrod Brown. He was senator. He lost. He’s back. And this is a huge win in Ohio for the Democrats.” -Chris Cuomo
What Remains Unclear: The final balance of power in both chambers remains dependent on outstanding races and the completion of vote counting. Additionally, it’s unclear whether other television networks will ultimately follow Decision Desk HQ’s projections or reach the same conclusions using their respective election data providers.
What It Means: NewsNation’s early projections gave the network a notable distinction on election night. By becoming the first network to call both chambers for Democrats, it established an early position in the coverage of a potentially significant shift in congressional leadership. Its exclusive use of Decision Desk HQ data also provides a different approach to election-night projections than its competitors.
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