Trump's Republicans could secure majorities in both chambers
Photo: Republicans are rushing to take the lead in the US Congress (Getty Images)
As the final votes are counted in the House of Representatives elections, the Republican Party maintains a narrow advantage in seat numbers. Meanwhile, Democrats managed to flip a couple of seats in New York, according to Reuters.
According to Edison Research projections, Republicans secured at least 211 seats, seven short of the majority in the 435-member House. In the Senate, Republicans are poised to hold a majority with at least 53 seats.
Full Republican control of Congress would grant Trump significant freedom to implement his policies, including radical tax cuts, deregulation of the energy sector, and control over border security.
If Democrats manage to seize the majority, requiring them to secure 18 out of 24 currently vacant seats, it would provide a platform to challenge the new president.
Democrats' hopes for taking the House center on parts of California and New York, where candidates managed to flip two Republican seats in a single night. Laura Gillen ousted Republican Anthony D'Esposito, who represented a section of New York City's Long Island suburbs. Josh Riley defeated Republican Marc Molinaro in the Catskills region.
In Nebraska, centrist Republican US Representative Don Bacon won against Democrat Tony Vargas in the liberal-leaning Omaha district.
US Senate
A Republican majority in the Senate would allow them to confirm Trump's cabinet appointments, judges, and other personnel. However, they would lack the 60 votes needed for the expedited passage of most legislation.
Other non-competitive Senate races are unfolding in Nevada, where incumbent Democrat Jacky Rosen leads Republican Sam Brown by 1.3 percentage points after 96% of the vote has been counted. Similarly, in Arizona, Democrat Ruben Gallego leads Republican Kari Lake by 1.7 percentage points after 74% of the vote has been counted.
US presidential and congressional elections
In the presidential race held on November 5, Republican Donald Trump won in a landslide, securing 312 electoral votes. His opponent, Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, received 226 votes. The minimum threshold for victory is 270 votes.
On the same day, citizens voted for a new session of both chambers of the US Congress. According to preliminary results, the Republican Party has gained a majority in the Senate, which was previously controlled by the Democrats.
Additionally, Republicans have a strong chance of taking control of the House of Representatives. Should that happen, Trump would gain complete power to approve decisions that benefit him.
According to experts, after the presidential election, a protracted crisis is possible in the United States.
For more information on whether the Republicans will be able to create a Trump mono-majority in Congress, read RBC-Ukraine's article.
