getty imagesThe political party that will control the U.S. House of Representatives for the next two years has not yet been determined. But Republicans are inching toward a majority that would hand them complete control of the U.S. government.
As of Saturday morning, the party had secured a handful of seats short of the 218 needed to take control of the House of Representatives.
The Senate, House of Councilors, and White House have already shifted to the Republican Party. This means that President-elect Donald Trump could have significant power to carry out his political agenda after he takes office on January 20, 2025.
Control of the House gives political parties the power to introduce spending bills and initiate impeachment proceedings against public officials.
A unified Republican Party under Trump can more easily push for tax cuts and introduce border controls.
Some races that have not been called yet are:
California: Democrats are holding out hope for five potential gains.
getty imagesDemocrats are closely monitoring five seats in California they believe are critical to taking back the House.
Challengers are hoping to defeat incumbent Republicans and flip the seat blue, but polls show the incumbents are narrowly holding on to the seat.
Key races to watch are:
- California’s 45th Congressional District: Incumbent Republican Rep. Michelle Steel is leading against Democrat Derek Tran.
- California 27th: Democrat George Whitesides is challenging incumbent Republican Representative Mike Garcia. Garcia is leading by a narrow margin.
- California 41st: Incumbent Republican Rep. Ken Calvert is running against Democrat Will Rollins and is also leading by a narrow margin.
- California Day 22: Democrat Rudy Salas is challenging incumbent Republican Congressman David Valadao.
- California 13th: Incumbent Republican Rep. John Duarte is leading against Democrat Adam Gray.
Arizona: 2 throw seats
getty imagesThis swing state has two closely watched races.
Republican Juan Ciscomani appears set to face off against Democratic challenger Kirsten Engel. Arizona 6th District, Located in the southeastern corner of the state.
in Arizona District 1David Schweikert is slightly ahead of Democratic challenger Amish Shah. This district covers northeastern Maricopa County, outside Phoenix.
Main: Democrats appear likely to retain seat in toss-up race
getty imagesIncumbent Democratic Congressman Jared Golden is fighting to keep his seat. Maine’s 2nd Congressional District – One of two congressional districts in the state. This includes most of the state north of Augusta and Portland.
Golden is currently leading the race against Republican challenger Austin Theriault. Almost all votes have been counted.
Ohio: Democrats lead by less than 1 point.
getty imagesThe Democratic Party is aiming to secure one seat. Ohio’s 9th Congressional DistrictIncludes Toledo in the northern part of the state.
Incumbent Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur, who has served in Congress since 1983, holds a narrow lead over Republican challenger Derek Merrin.
North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher covers the White House race in the twice-weekly US Election Unspun newsletter. Readers in the UK can: Sign up here. Also available outside the UK. Sign up here.
