The Republican Party is set to hold a slim majority in the United States House of Representatives in 2025, after Democratic candidate Adam Gray clinched victory in the final uncalled race in California.
The win left Democrats with 215 seats in the lower chamber of Congress, compared to the Republicans’ 220.
In California’s 13th Congressional District, Gray narrowly defeated Republican incumbent John Duarte by fewer than 200 votes. The results, announced nearly a month after the November 5 elections, underscored the intense battle for control in Washington DC. Gray highlighted the importance of bipartisan leadership, stating, “This victory shows the area is ready for independent and accountable leadership that always puts the Valley’s people ahead of partisan politics.”
A majority in the 435-seat House requires 218 seats, a threshold the Republicans surpassed. However, the slim margin may posed challenges for President-elect Donald Trump and the GOP’s legislative agenda.
Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in all seven critical swing states marked a historic comeback, making him the first previously defeated president in modern times to reclaim the White House. The trifecta of holding the House, Senate, and presidency—a feat last achieved by Republicans during Trump’s first term in 2017—offered the president-elect significant power to push his policies on the economy, immigration, and other key issues.
Despite this advantage, Republicans’ narrow House majority could complicate efforts to pass major legislation. The same dynamic was expected in the Senate, where tight margins may hinder the GOP from securing the votes needed for some initiatives.
Trump pledged bold action within his first 100 days, with mass deportations of undocumented migrants at the forefront of his agenda. The GOP was also expected to face limited congressional oversight for at least two years, as the next mid-term elections were not until 2026.
However, the president-elect’s plans to tap Republican lawmakers for key administration roles could further erode the party’s slim majority. Representative Elise Stefanik and Representative Michael Waltz were reportedly being considered for prominent positions, which would open up additional vacancies in the House.
With Democrats holding 215 seats, their diminished leverage will make it harder to challenge Republican policies. Yet, bipartisan cooperation may still be necessary, as narrow margins in both chambers could create gridlock for controversial proposals.
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