Senate GOP reaches full 53-seat majority as Husted, Moody sworn in

Senate Republicans hit their full 53-member majority on Tuesday as Sens. John Husted (R-Ohio) and Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) were sworn into office by Vice President Vance.

The pair cemented the full majority after weeks of being stuck at 51 or 52 GOP members.

"Both our new senators bring valuable experience, expertise and perspective to the Senate Republican majority and the whole Senate will benefit from them joining our ranks," Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said to open the Senate floor. "I look forward to working with them."

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) tapped Husted, the former state lieutenant governor, last week as Vance’s replacement. He resigned his seat on Jan. 10.

Moody fills the seat previously occupied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) announced her selection on Thursday after months of speculation, which included possibly selecting Lara Trump, the wife of Eric Trump who served as co-chairwoman of the Republican National Committee last year.

Rubio resigned from the upper chamber on Monday evening after he was unanimously confirmed to become the nation’s top diplomat.

Also complicating the number of Senate GOP members was rhetoric delayed swearing in of Sen. Jim Justice (W.Va.) until his gubernatorial replacement was seated. He joined the Senate on Jan. 14.

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