Republicans will have a narrow majority in the House in the upcoming year after Democrats flipped one final seat in California, leaving GOP leaders with little margin for error in advancing President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda.
Key Points
Republicans won 220 House seats to Democrats’ 215, with Democrats flipping nine Republican-held seats.
Campaign spending on House races exceeded $1.1 billion, with Democrats outspending Republicans.
Democrats outperformed Republican Vice President Kamala Harris in down-ballot races.
Republicans will have the opportunity to pass major policy priorities through budget “reconciliation” in the new year.
Pros
Republicans will have a majority in the House in the next year.
Democrats gained one final seat in California, flipping nine Republican-held seats overall.
Cons
The slim majority leaves Republicans with little room for error in passing legislation.
Operatives in both parties agree that the recent redistricting process has created fewer competitive races.