November 13, 2024
Washington, D.C. — The Fox News Decision Desk has projected that Republicans will maintain their majority in the House of Representatives following a closely contested midterm election season. While the final number of seats is pending outcomes in a handful of remaining districts, the GOP has already surpassed the 218-seat threshold needed for control, securing the party’s influence in the lower chamber for the upcoming congressional term.
Republicans officially clinched the majority after Juan Ciscomani won re-election in Arizona’s 6th District, defeating Democrat Kirsten Engel in a rematch of their 2022 midterm race. Ciscomani’s victory provided the crucial seat that pushed Republicans over the majority mark.
Key Races Yet to Be Called
As of now, nine House races remain undecided, with outcomes that could slightly alter the final seat count. These include Alaska’s at-large district, California’s 9th, 13th, 21st, and 45th districts, Iowa’s 1st district, Maine’s 2nd district, Ohio’s 9th district, and Oregon’s 5th district. Although these races are unlikely to change the overall balance of power, they will determine the exact seat distribution between the two parties.
Speaker Mike Johnson Expected to Lead Amid GOP Unity Push
Speaker Mike Johnson is anticipated to continue his role as the 56th Speaker of the House. Johnson’s rise to the position last year ended a protracted battle over GOP leadership after the historic ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.). Despite early internal challenges, Johnson has since worked to bring cohesion to the Republican caucus, an effort that has been met with mixed success amidst ongoing debates over government spending and legislative priorities.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) expressed confidence in GOP efforts during the 2024 election cycle, emphasizing the focus on competitive races across the country. “We’re going around the country helping incumbents on the Republican side or in tough races. But also, we’re working on those challengers who have a real opportunity to flip a seat from Democrat to Republican,” Scalise shared with Fox News Digital last month.
Democratic Leadership Shake-Up and House Minority Position
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) continues to lead the Democrats, who faced a turbulent election season of their own. Following a leadership crisis and pressure from top liberals for President Biden to step down after a challenging debate against Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris stepped in as the Democratic nominee, reviving enthusiasm among Democratic voters. Despite Harris’s boost in campaign energy and funding, it was ultimately insufficient to flip enough House seats for a Democratic majority.
Republicans’ path to retaining the House majority initially seemed uncertain, particularly in the aftermath of internal leadership struggles. However, the GOP benefited from a combination of strategic campaign efforts and voter concerns over issues like inflation, immigration, and government spending.
Looking Ahead
As the GOP prepares to navigate its slim majority, party unity will be critical for advancing their legislative agenda. Johnson and his leadership team are likely to face immediate tests as they work to address key policy priorities, including fiscal responsibility, border security, and economic growth.
With several close races still pending, both parties await the final seat count, which will shape the landscape for negotiations and legislative efforts in the House over the next term.
Sources:
- Fox News Digital – Projections on House majority and statements from GOP leadership
- AP News – Coverage on pending election results and GOP House dynamics
- Getty Images – Photographic documentation of Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
