Janice R. Andrews
The fight for control of the U.S. House of Representatives remains uncertain, with Republicans just seven seats shy of securing a majority. On the other hand, Democrats are hoping to gain 15 more seats to seize control. While the Senate and White House have already flipped to the GOP following Donald Trump’s election, winning the House would give Republicans total control when Trump takes office in January 2025. The House’s majority is vital, granting a party the power to initiate spending legislation and even launch impeachment proceedings. Under Trump, a unified Republican government could push through tax reforms and strengthen border control. However, Democrats are hoping that the remaining votes in several key races will give them the edge. Let’s look at the races that have yet to be decided.
Why House Control is Crucial
Gaining control of the House is important for any party, as it enables them to drive significant legislative changes. With control, Republicans could introduce tax cuts, focus on immigration, and possibly initiate impeachment proceedings against officials. However, Democrats also view this as an opportunity to block GOP-led measures and push their own legislative agenda. With both parties eyeing the final undecided races, the stakes are incredibly high.
California: A Crucial Battleground
California remains a focal point for both parties, with five districts that could potentially tip the scale in favor of the Democrats. Republicans hold slim leads, but these races remain competitive:
- California’s 45th District: Republican Michelle Steel is leading Democrat Derek Tran by 4 points, with 70% of the votes counted.
- California’s 27th District: Republican Mike Garcia is holding a narrow 2-point lead over Democrat George Whitesides, with 69% of the vote in.
- California’s 41st District: Republican Ken Calvert has a slight 2-point advantage over Democrat Will Rollins, with 76% of votes counted.
- California’s 22nd District: Republican David Valadao leads Democrat Rudy Salas by 10 points, with 56% of votes counted.
- California’s 13th District: Republican John Duarte holds a 2-point lead over Democrat Adam Gray, with 52% of votes counted.
Arizona: Two Key Races Too Close to Call
Arizona also presents two highly competitive races where the margins remain extremely tight, both within 2%:
- Arizona’s 6th District: Republican Juan Ciscomani leads Democrat Kirsten Engel by 0.5 points, with 67% of votes counted.
- Arizona’s 1st District: Republican David Schweikert holds a 1-point lead over Democrat Amish Shah, with 69% of votes in.
Maine’s Tight Race for a Democratic Seat
In Maine, Democratic incumbent Jared Golden is locked in a close race to defend his seat in the state’s 2nd Congressional District. This race is one of the few contested districts in the state:
- Maine’s 2nd District: Golden is leading his Republican challenger, Austin Theriault, by less than a point, with 93% of the votes tallied. This race remains a nail-biter as the final votes are counted.
Ohio: Democrats Hold a Slim Lead
Ohio’s 9th District, which covers Toledo in northern Ohio, is another critical race for Democrats. Incumbent Democrat Marcy Kaptur is fighting to retain her seat against Republican Derek Merrin:
- Ohio’s 9th District: Kaptur currently holds a narrow 0.3-point lead over Merrin, with 95% of votes counted. This district has traditionally leaned Democratic, but Republicans have made significant inroads.
What’s at Stake?
The final results from these remaining districts will determine whether Republicans secure a commanding majority in the House. If they succeed, Trump will have the backing needed to enact his agenda. On the other hand, a Democratic victory in these races could preserve a narrow Democratic majority, creating a powerful counterbalance to the Republican-controlled Senate and White House.
With votes still being counted, all eyes are on these pivotal districts in California, Arizona, Maine, and Ohio as the race for control of the U.S. House of Representatives enters its final stages.
