At a watch party hosted by the Institute of Politics in the JFK Jr. Forum, students gathered from schools across the university to watch the live results on the big screen in a room with decorations, snacks, and electoral energy. Democrats won control of both chambers on a night of tight, closely watched races, adding to the excitement of the event.

Attendees reach for patriotic pizzas and popcorn to go alongside their viewing.

IOP Treasurer Jack W. H. Tueting ‘27 and Fellows & Study Groups Program Chair Samantha Ruazol ‘27 take photos with IOP Director Betsy Fischer Martin under a red, white, and blue balloon arch and the projection of live election coverage.

The forum was not the only place to be for election night – other parts of the Kennedy School, including Wexner Commons and Cafe, were decorated and used as a viewing area.

At 8:01 p.m., one minute after Massachusetts polls closed, the Associated Press declared Senator Ed J. Markey (D-Mass.) the winner of his reelection bid.

Harvard College Dean of Students Thomas G. Dunne wanders the room, talking to students in attendance.

Attendees take advantage of the photo booths and decorations available at the watch party.

IOP President Lorenzo Z. Ruiz ’27 shades in states on the US map in red and blue as the results are announced.

Students look up at the live commentary with anticipation as states are being called. By 9 p.m. the Associated Press had declared winners in fourteen states.

Former IOP Fellow and journalist Eugene Scott conducts a live interview with Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-Fla), getting his reactions to the sweeping win of democratic candidates across the U.S.

As the evening comes to a close, some students take out their homework and readings as results continued to be announced. Although the event officially ended at 11 p.m., the results of the election were by no means complete, with some results still not finalized today.