Republican candidates lost their bids for U.S. Senate seats in Florida, Maine and Connecticut, three of 10 critical contests that will determine which party controls the chamber in the next Congress.

In Florida, Democratic Senator Bill Nelson of Florida won a third term, defeating Republican Representative Connie Mack IV. Nelson, the only Democrat holding a statewide office in Florida, was first elected to the seat in 2000 after Connie Mack III retired.

Democrats control the Senate 53-47. Republicans need to pick up four net seats to gain a majority.

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