DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Republicans have won a majority in the Iowa Senate, giving the GOP control of both legislative chambers and the governor’s office.

By winning control of the Senate in Tuesday’s election, Republicans now are better positioned to move ahead on a conservative agenda backed by Gov. Terry Branstad. For years, Senate Democrats have blocked Republican initiatives on a range of issues, including same-sex marriage, gun control and abortion restrictions.

The 100-member House and 50-member Senate haven’t been controlled by the same party since the 2008 and 2009 sessions, when Democrats held majorities in both chambers. At that time, a Democrat, Chet Culver, also held the governor’s office.