Democrats are projected to regain the U.S. House of Representatives, putting the party on course to control both chambers of Congress when the new term begins in January.
The House result follows Democrats' seven-seat pickup in the Senate. Together, the results would end Republican control of Congress during President Donald Trump's second term. The final size of the House majority remains unsettled while counting continues. Election-night calls precede the states' official certification of results.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is positioned to become the first Black speaker. That office still requires an election by the House; the midterm result does not itself install a speaker.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is reported to have told staff Wednesday that he will not run for House minority leader in the next Congress. That party leadership contest is separate from the House-wide vote for speaker.
In a November 3 statement, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi congratulated Jeffries and said a Democratic majority would pursue lower costs, healthcare protections and oversight of the administration.
What changes in January
A House majority gives Democrats control of committees and a platform for investigations, including hearings and subpoenas. It also gives them the votes to advance legislation in the chamber, subject to holding their members together.
The election does not immediately transfer those powers. The House clerk explains that a new Congress begins at noon on January 3 following a general election, unless a different day is designated by law.
Trump retains the presidency and the power to veto legislation. As the House's explanation of presidential vetoes sets out, Congress needs a two-thirds vote in each chamber to override a regular veto. Winning simple majorities therefore gives Democrats substantial oversight and negotiating power while leaving major legislation dependent on agreement with the president or enough Republican votes to overcome his opposition.
