WASHINGTON (AP) — As Republicans make gains in the House and Senate, one of the potential Republican presidential contenders in 2016 has survived a challenge in Wisconsin.

Gov. Scott Walker was a top target of Democrats, after angering labor groups by enacting a measure reducing the power of public sector unions. He survived a recall attempt two years ago.

Republicans have been steadily advancing toward a Senate majority, while also strengthening their House advantage.

GOP gains in the House include victories over some veteran Democratic lawmakers. Republican Evan Jenkins, a former Democrat, knocked out 19-term lawmaker Nick Rahall in West Virginia. He’d been one of the last white Democrats who had survived despite the GOP stranglehold on the South. And Rick Allen prevailed over another Southern Democrat, five-term Rep. John Barrow of Georgia.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.