Republicans have secured a three-seat majority in the House of Representatives for the 119th Congress, concluding the 2024 election cycle with 220 seats to the Democrats’ 215.
The final undecided race in California’s 13th Congressional District was called on December 4, where Democratic challenger Adam Gray narrowly defeated incumbent Republican Rep. John Duarte.
The Republican majority was initially confirmed on November 12, with the Associated Press projecting the GOP had secured the crucial 218th seat when Rep. Juan Ciscomani was re-elected in Arizona’s 6th District.
However, several races remained too close to call due to razor-thin margins, requiring recounts and legal reviews.
In California’s 13th District, Gray’s victory over Duarte was confirmed by just 187 votes. Meanwhile, Democrats flipped another GOP-held seat in California’s 45th District, where labor attorney Derek Tran defeated Rep. Michelle Steel by 613 votes. Both contests were highly competitive, reflecting shifting dynamics in these districts.
Republicans saw success in other battlegrounds. In Iowa’s 1st District, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks retained her seat by defeating Democrat Christina Bohannan by a margin of 798 votes. Republican gains were also notable in Alaska’s at-large district and two districts in Pennsylvania, among others, offsetting losses in traditionally Democratic-leaning areas.
Challenges Ahead
The Republican majority, though reduced from the five-seat advantage achieved after the 2022 midterms, positions the GOP to lead in the House as part of broader conservative control of the federal government.
With President-elect Donald Trump taking office in January and a conservative-leaning Supreme Court, the Republican Party now holds significant influence across all three branches of government.
However, maintaining unity will be essential. Expected vacancies, such as those resulting from Trump’s appointments of House Republicans to executive roles, could briefly leave the party with no working majority.
Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL) and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) are among those expected to resign for their new roles, necessitating special elections. In these interim periods, every vote within the Republican conference will be critical to passing legislation.
Despite the challenges of a slim majority, Republicans remain optimistic about advancing their agenda. Incoming members from key districts have vowed to address pressing issues such as inflation, crime, and infrastructure development. The GOP’s ability to deliver on these promises will likely shape its standing with voters heading into the next election cycle.
The 119th Congress will convene in January 2025, marking the beginning of a important term for Republicans.