Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski (R) has been declared the winner in Alaska. Thus, the Catholic total in the U.S. Senate in the next session will be 24. This is above the pre-election projection, but down one from the current 25 Catholics in the Senate. Marco Rubio (R, FL) and Sen. Murkowski were able to win three-way races in their states (Murkowski as a write-in). In West Virginia, Joe Manchin (D) was also able to defeat John Raese (R) to obtain a seat in what was a close race in pre-election polls.
In the House of Representatives, the leaders of both parties will continue to self-identify as Catholic. Nancy Pelosi (D, CA) has been elected House Democratic Leader. She will no longer serve as Speaker of the House with her party having lost the majority. Catholic John Boehner (R, OH) was unanimously elected by the Republicans to be the new Speaker.
...Late note... Is the Senate total 23? Some are wondering what Rubio's current religious self-identification is. His campaign website includes articles with the following references: 1) John McCormack notes, "Raised and confirmed a Catholic, Rubio worships with his family at an evangelical church" and 2) George Will describes him as, "A Catholic and father of four." His current government biography notes his religion as Roman Catholic.
[...Even later note... This post was updated after a "recount" thanks to Pew.]
...Late note... Is the Senate total 23? Some are wondering what Rubio's current religious self-identification is. His campaign website includes articles with the following references: 1) John McCormack notes, "Raised and confirmed a Catholic, Rubio worships with his family at an evangelical church" and 2) George Will describes him as, "A Catholic and father of four." His current government biography notes his religion as Roman Catholic.
[...Even later note... This post was updated after a "recount" thanks to Pew.]
