Ex-astronaut Mark Kelly to take Senate seat Wednesday, cutting GOP majority to 52

Former astronaut Mark Kelly will take his seat in the Senate on Wednesday, replacing Republican Sen. Martha McSally, who he narrowly defeated on Nov. 3 in the Arizona Senate race.

Vice President Mike Pence will administer the oath of office to Kelly on Wednesday, a Republican aide told the Washington Examiner. Kelly’s arrival will bolster the ranks of Democrats and reduce the GOP’s majority from 53 to 52 seats. 

McSally lagged behind Kelly in the polls throughout the Senate race, but she outperformed some predictions. Kelly defeated McSally 51.2% to 48.8%.