The race to control the House of Representatives remains undecided as both Republicans and Democrats eagerly await the final outcome. With Republicans expressing early optimism about securing a governing trifecta with their new Senate majority and President-elect Donald Trump, the stakes are high for both parties.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson stated on Wednesday that Republicans are poised to have unified government in the White House, Senate, and House, a prediction that they have held onto throughout the race. However, Democrats are not giving up hope as they need 33 more seats to flip control and are determined to count every vote to ensure a fair outcome.
As 20 key House districts remain uncalled, both parties are closely watching races in California, Maine, and Alaska in hopes of either maintaining or flipping seats. Democrats have poured significant sums of money into House races in an effort to gain control, outspending their Republican rivals in many competitive races.
The outcome of the House race will ultimately determine the boundaries of power for the next Trump administration. A fully Republican-controlled House would likely provide President-elect Trump with more freedom in legislative matters, while a Democratic-controlled House would likely provide more checks and balances.
Over the next two years, the House will face key battles on government funding, tax levels, immigration, and corporate regulation. With a temporary funding bill set to expire in December and the potential extension of the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act on the horizon, the next Congress will have important decisions to make regardless of which party ultimately gains control of the House.