Democrats are projected to take control of the House for the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term.
The party made gains in both competitive districts and traditionally Republican areas. The results also pointed to significant GOP losses among Hispanic voters, younger voters, independents and rural Americans.
Democratic leaders quickly signaled that they plan to pursue investigations involving Trump and his administration. Rep. Robert Garcia of California, who is expected to lead the House Oversight Committee, issued a pointed warning: “Lawyer up.” Democrats on the House Homeland Security Committee also posted a message aimed at Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin: “Clear your calendar.”
Among the biggest upsets was Democrat Jamie Ager’s victory in North Carolina’s 11th District, a longtime Republican stronghold. The seat became more competitive after Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards announced he would not seek re-election amid sexual harassment allegations. In New Jersey, Democrat Jeff Van Drew, who had switched from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party during Trump’s first term, also lost his seat.
Some Republicans who had survived close races in the past were also in danger. Rep. Mike Lawler of New York conceded to Cait Conley, a former Biden administration official.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is on track to become the first Black speaker of the House. Democrats appeared likely to hold a double-digit majority, giving them some room for internal disagreements.
“This is a change election, and we understand as House Democrats that we need to deliver dramatic change,” Jeffries said at a party in Washington. He argued that the country’s institutions were “broken” and said voters had rejected efforts by wealthy interests to influence the election. Democrats, he added, would focus on working- and middle-class Americans.
Some House Republicans, meanwhile, said they expect a shake-up in their leadership after the party’s losses. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, the House Judiciary Committee chairman, was among those mentioned as a possible leader. Republicans are scheduled to hold their internal leadership elections next week.
