The Republican party saw huge gains across the country in yesterday’s midterm elections, picking up between 60 and 65 House seats and 6-8 senate seats. The change in the House was enough to shift the balance of power there to the Republicans with the Democrats keeping control of the Senate.

In Pennsylvania specifically, the Republican party saw the House of Representative breakdown switch from 12 to 7 in favor of the Democrats, to 12 to 7 in favor of the Republicans. Locally, two Penn State alums squared off for the PA-5th, which includes State College; Glenn Thompson (R) was reelected over Mike Pipe (D) with almost 70% of the vote.

Pat Toomey (R) took control of the Senate seat vacated by Arlen Specter, who lost his primary campaign after switching from the Republican party to the Democratic party to Joe Sestak.

In the gubernatorial race, Republican Tom Corbett defeated Democrat Dan Onorato to replace Democrat Ed Rendell, who reached his term limits.

In addition to Rep. Thompson, three other Penn State alums won their campaigns for Congress. Mike Doyle (D) and Charlie Dent (R) were both reelected to the PA-14th and 15th districts, respectively. Kelly Ayotte (R) won the vacant New Hampshire senate seat in a landslide taking over 60% of the vote.