The Republican party is close to gaining majority in the 435-member House of Representatives, having won 212 seats so far, reports Reuters citing Edison Research. Securing just six more seats would ensure their control, significantly impacting the legislative landscape should Donald Trump return to the White House.
Along with an already Republican-controlled Senate, this control would enable them to drive a wide-ranging agenda that could involve tax and spending cuts, energy deregulation and enhanced border security measures. It’s worth noting that votes are still being counted with 19 House races, mainly from Western state competitive districts, hanging in the balance.
Their Senate leadership for 2025 will be decided next week, with Senators Bill Hagerty and Rand Paul endorsing Senator Rick Scott, contesting against Senators John Thune and John Cornyn. The Republican party’s potential control of the House follows Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, promising at least one Congress chamber under Republican control.
Concerns have been raised about the possible politicization of U.S. intelligence community under Trump’s leadership, potentially using it more for personal and political gains rather than for national security.
Additionally, Trump’s plan to expand the federal death penalty in his second term, increasing the number of individuals eligible for execution, has triggered worries among criminal justice reform advocates and anti-death penalty groups.
