Republicans stood on the verge of capturing control of the U.S. House of Representatives Saturday, needing just five more victories to secure a congressional trifecta alongside their Senate majority and President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Edison Research reported Republicans have won 213 seats in the 435-member House, including Representative Dan Newhouse’s projected victory in Colorado’s 3rd congressional district. Democrats have claimed 205 seats, with Representative Greg Stanton’s re-election in Arizona among their wins, leaving them needing 13 of the remaining 17 seats to prevent a Republican sweep.
The final House races, predominantly in Western states known for slower vote counting, include nine Republican-held seats and eight Democratic incumbencies. Fourteen of these contests were considered competitive before the November 5 election.
A Republican House majority, combined with their Senate control and Trump’s presidential victory, would position the party to advance an ambitious agenda of tax cuts, spending reductions, energy deregulation, and enhanced border security measures when the new administration takes office in January.
Meanwhile, Senate Republicans prepare to select new leadership next week, with Senators John Thune, John Cornyn, and Rick Scott competing for the top position. Senators Bill Hagerty and Rand Paul have endorsed Scott over the more senior candidates Thune and Cornyn.
Cornyn, responding to the leadership race Saturday, promised an aggressive confirmation schedule for Trump’s cabinet if elected majority leader. “No weekends, no breaks. Democrats can cooperate in the best interest of the country, or continue the resistance, which will eventually be ground down,” he posted on X, formerly Twitter.
