Janice R. Andrews
Republicans are approaching a majority in the House of Representatives, a development that would bolster President-elect Trump’s legislative agenda before his January inauguration. Current tallies from Edison Research show Republicans holding 213 seats in the 435-seat House, requiring just five additional victories to secure control.
The battle continues for 17 unclaimed seats, primarily in Western states where vote counting proceeds at a slower pace. These contested districts are nearly evenly split between current party control, with Republicans holding nine and Democrats eight. Pre-election analysis identified 14 of these races as competitive.
While Republicans have already clinched Senate control, Democrats celebrated a victory in Nevada, where incumbent Jacky Rosen retained her seat according to Edison Research projections. In the House race, Democrats have secured 205 seats and would need to win 13 of the remaining districts to maintain their majority.
A Republican-controlled Congress, combined with the presidency, would create a clear path for key conservative priorities, including tax reduction initiatives, energy sector deregulation, and enhanced border security measures.
The Senate’s Republican leadership race for 2025 is heating up, with Senators John Thune, John Cornyn, and Rick Scott emerging as leading candidates. Recent endorsements from Senators Bill Hagerty and Rand Paul have boosted Scott’s campaign, though Thune and Cornyn remain frontrunners.
Speaking on X, Senator Cornyn pledged continuous Senate sessions until Trump’s cabinet nominees are confirmed, challenging Democrats to either collaborate or face sustained Republican pressure.
The outcome of these remaining races will significantly influence the legislative landscape under Trump’s incoming administration.
