Democrats win control of the House of Representatives

Democrats are projected to win about 244 House seats, comfortably above the 218 needed for a majority and potentially their largest majority in nearly two decades. The result is a major setback for President Donald Trump and Republicans, and a referendum on Trump’s policies, including an immigration crackdown, the war with Iran and tariffs that raised household costs. When the new Congress begins Jan. 3, Democrats will end unified Republican control for the first time in Trump’s second term. Hakeem Jeffries is expected to become the first Black speaker of the House.

The majority will give Democrats control of committees, subpoena power and the ability to investigate the administration, including Trump’s family business interests, immigration enforcement and the Epstein files. Some Democrats have raised the possibility of impeaching Trump again, while Jeffries has not committed to that course. Democrats also plan to pursue legislation reversing Medicaid cuts, extending Affordable Care Act subsidies, restoring Congress’s authority over tariffs and stopping the Iran war. Their gains came despite Republican-favoring redistricting efforts in several states, countered in part by a new California map. The outcome puts Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership in doubt and gives Democrats a platform to challenge Trump’s use of executive power.