Republicans are expected to maintain control of the House of Representatives, granting the party full control of Washington as President-elect Trump prepares to return to the White House in January. On Monday, Decision Desk HQ projected that the GOP would secure its 218th seat, reaching the majority required in the lower chamber.
Trump has not only regained the presidency, but he can now count on the full support of a Republican-controlled Congress; the infamous “trifecta,” in which the president-elect’s party controls both the House and the Senate, is thus fully realized.
The result represents a remarkable victory for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who has quickly emerged from relative anonymity to lead the House GOP, guiding its legislative efforts and taking on a prominent role in its campaign operations.
Republicans managed to protect some of their most at-risk incumbents races, including Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and David Valadao (R-Calif.), while also unseating several vulnerable Democratic incumbents. In Pennsylvania, State Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R) defeated Rep. Susan Wild (D), and businessman Rob Bresnahan won against Rep. Matt Cartwright (D).
These victories helped offset GOP losses, which included three first-term New York Republicans—Reps. Anthony D’Esposito, Marc Molinaro, and Brandon Williams—who lost their reelection bids, along with Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore.).
The final composition of the House remains unclear, as ballots are still being cast in several California races. However, Republicans are expected to secure another slim majority for the next Congress.
The precise seat count will be crucial for Johnson’s political trajectory, shaping which policies Republicans can pursue; it will determine whether the House will operate effectively or be gridlocked.
House republicans have worked closely with their Senate colleagues on a legislative agenda to present to Donald Trump within his first 100 days in the Oval office; proposals on the agenda include tax cuts (approved in Trump’s first term), increased funding for the border wall, repeal of climate initiatives, and promotion of school choice.
However, their plans may face obstacles, given the precedents of GOP infighting during while the House enjoyed a narrow majority, which frequently stalled legislative progress and culminated in the pivotal removal of Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Johnson made it clear that he intends to ask for the gavel again if Republicans gain unified control of the government. However, he faced opposition from hard-line conservatives, including Congressmen Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and has already survived an attempted ousting earlier this year with the help of House Democrats. In order to maintain his position as Speaker, Johnson will have to win a majority of votes in the House when it reconvenes on Jan. 3, 2025, which requires the near-unanimous support of Republicans.
The election results will likely impact the remaining legislative battles in the final weeks of the 118th Congress. Hard-core conservatives are expected to push to delay key proposals, hoping that a Republican-controlled Senate and House next year will bring more conservative policies and reduced spending.
