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Dem House majority swells to Obama-era levels as more GOP incumbents are wiped out
Democrats had won at least 254 House seats by Thursday, approaching the 257-seat majority they held after Barack Obama’s 2008 election. The result matters because Republicans have lost dozens of seats, including several held by long-serving incumbents, and Democrats could still exceed their previous high as more races are decided.
The Associated Press had called 253 races for Democrats and 155 for Republicans, with the Virginia result bringing the Democratic total to at least 254; 27 races remained uncalled. Notable Republican losses included Rob Wittman in Virginia, Mike Turner in Ohio and Juan Ciscomani in Arizona, while three Republican incumbents also lost in North Carolina. Virginia Foxx was trailing by 99 votes and could seek a recount, and Mike Lawler and Jeff Van Drew conceded their races.
In short
- Democrats reached at least 254 House seats.
- They are nearing their 257-seat post-2008 majority.
- Twenty-seven races remained uncalled.
Explained simply
The US House of Representatives is one of two chambers of Congress, alongside the Senate. Its seats are contested in elections every two years, and the party with more seats has greater influence over which bills are considered and how the chamber is run.
The two main parties are the Democrats and Republicans. House members represent local districts, and a party’s majority depends on how many of its candidates win across the country; in 2008, Democrats held 257 seats after Barack Obama was elected president.
Incumbents are members seeking re-election, and long-serving incumbents often have established local support. Losing several such seats can change the balance of power in the House, while uncalled races and possible recounts mean the final totals may still shift.
Elections Government Politics World