MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican gains in the House and Senate have been accompanied by a Republican sweep in governor’s races across the country.

With the exception of Pennsylvania, GOP candidates dominated presidential swing states. Republicans held Florida, Ohio and Michigan, and flipped Democratic-leaning Illinois and Maryland.

In Wisconsin, Republican Gov. Scott Walker overcame fierce opposition from organized labor for his third election victory in four years — clearing the way for a potential presidential campaign in 2016.

In resurgent Ohio, Republican Gov. John Kasich cruised to a second term in a key battleground state. In Michigan, GOP Gov. Rick Snyder bested Democratic challenger Mark Schauer.

Democratic struggles extended to reliably liberal states: In a significant upset in Maryland, Republican businessman Larry Hogan beat the state’s Democratic Lieutenant Governor, Anthony Brown

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