Midterm election results updates: Dems keep control of Senate with Nevada win

Donald Trump escalated his criticism of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, suggesting he views DeSantis as a potential challenger in the 2024 Republican presidential primary.

In a lengthy statement, Trump jabbed at DeSantis as an "average" governor who benefited from "great Public Relations."

In recent days, the former president has alternated between swipes at the Florida governor, such as labeling him "DeSanctimonious," and then telling a rally on Sunday to reelect DeSantis. Read more here.

Republican Rep. Liz Cheney said the midterm results show a “real rejection” of former President Donald Trump and his brand of politics.

“It was a clear victory for team normal, and we have a huge amount of work to do,” Cheney said at the Never Is Now conference in New York hosted by the Anti-Defamation League. “I think that you saw in really important races around the country people coming together and saying ‘We believe in democracy. We believe in standing up for the Constitution and for the Republic,' and a real rejection of the toxicity and the hate and vitriol of Donald Trump.”

Cheney, once the No. 3 Republican in the House who fell out with the party over her harsh criticism of Trump, was ousted during the Wyoming Republican primary by Harriet Hageman. Hageman, who received Trump’s endorsement, handily won her race against Democrat Lynnette Grey Bull.

But at least 14 of his candidates are projected to lose their races. Republicans are already finger-pointing as to who is to blame for the disappointing results. While Republicans could still control of both chambers, the predicted "red wave" didn't materialize.

“I look at what happened on Tuesday night, and while it certainly is not the end of this battle -- we have a long battle ahead -- I do think it was the American people generally sending a message they want to pull us back from the brink,” Cheney said.

-ABC News’ Brittany Shepherd

House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy on Thursday announced "transition teams" for the new Congress, even though which party will control the chamber is still unclear as counting continues in several key races.

The teams will be led by House Minority Whip Steve Scalise as well as Reps. Jim Jordan, James Comer and Rep. Bryan Steil.

"The House Republican majority is getting right to work," McCarthy said in a press announcement. "These Transition Teams will ensure we hit the ground running on issues that Democrats have ignored or made worse for the American people under one-party rule, all while shutting out our fellow citizens from the People's House."

-ABC News' Lauren Peller

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, is looking ahead to a possible Republican majority in Congress and urging his colleagues to find commonsense, bipartisan reforms.

Without naming Donald Trump, his brand of politics, and particularly his allies in Congress, Romney in an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal called on his party to essentially embark on a new path.

"Robert Frost and politics don't really mix, but his famous allegory is apt: Two roads diverge before this potential GOP majority," Romney wrote. "The one 'less travelled by' would be to pass bills that would make things better for the American people. The more tempting and historically more frequented road would be to pursue pointless investigations, messaging bills, threats and government shutdowns. The road we choose could make 'all the difference.'"

Romney called for his party to back bipartisan deals on inflation, immigration and election integrity. On the latter issue, Romney warned: "While authoritarians in Russia and China are advertising an alternative to government of, by and for the people, spouting evidence-free claims of election fraud is stupidly self-defeating and despicable."

"Two roads are available. I hope Congress and the White House engage to make a difference rather than to make more noise," the senator concluded.

-ABC News' Trish Turner