House majority still in play, Republicans hoping for red sweep | Real Time Headlines

The race for control house Not decided yet, but republican party They are already expressing early optimism about a third straight win with their new approach to governance Senate Majority votes and the newly elected president Donald Trump.

“As more results come in, it’s clear that Republicans are ready to create a unified government in the White House, Senate and House of Representatives, just as we have predicted all along,” Republicans said. house Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement Wednesday.

This early confidence comes as Republicans need to win 13 more seats to maintain their majority, while Democratic Party 37 more are needed to flip the control.

according to nbc news‘ Race tracking websites show that 21 key House districts remain unelected. As of now, the other 26 are unlikely to be flipped.

The remaining races include Alaska’s at-large districts, California’s 47th District and Maine’s 2nd District, where Republicans hope to gain seats, and California’s 45th District, one of the most expensive races in the country. one.

House Republicans enter the 2024 race with historically slim majorities — 220 seats held by Republicans and 212 held by Democrats, with three vacancies.

Democrats are investing heavily in House races in an attempt to flip the chamber. They have spent far more than their Republican rivals in many of the nation’s most competitive House races.

House Democratic candidates rated ‘swing’ or ‘leaning’ in race Cook Political Report by Amy Walter According to the tally, Republicans spent $132 million, while Republicans spent $61.6 million. Declaration in October and the Federal Election Commission.

The winning party will ultimately determine the boundaries of the next Trump administration’s power. A fully Republican-controlled House could give the president-elect a loose legislative leash, while a Democratic House could tighten his grip.

If the Republicans win, it also means Speaker Johnson will have the opportunity to extend his term. If not, it could mean the promotion of current House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, who is the favorite to become speaker if Democrats win.

Over the next two years, the House will face key issues such as government funding, tax levels, immigration and business regulation.

In September, Congress passed a temporary funding bill to avert a government shutdown that is set to expire on December 20, triggering another budget battle before the next president takes office in January. The prospect of a divided government could further complicate the fight.

Also on the agenda for the next Congress is the possibility of extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which is set to expire in 2025.