U.S. Republicans complete power takeover with House majority

President-elect Donald Trump shakes hands with House Speaker Mike Johnson of La., as he arrives to speak at a meeting with the House GOP conference, on November 13, 2024, in Washington.
| Photo Credit: AP

The Republicans secured a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, completing a full sweep of Congress and the White House in the recent elections and giving incoming President Donald Trump significant legislative power.

After a week of vote counting, both CNN and NBC projected that the Republican Party had reached the necessary 218 seats to maintain their majority in the 435-seat lower chamber, following their victory in the Senate.

“It is a new day in America,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson during a press conference on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, before the official announcement of the victory. “This is a very important moment for the country and we do not take it lightly.”

President Trump emerged victorious in all swing states during the November 5 presidential election and appeared to have won the national popular vote as well. With control of both chambers of Congress, he will have the ability to confirm his administration’s key appointments and push forward with his agenda.

Conservative tilt

“We need positions filled IMMEDIATELY!” President Trump emphasized on social media, referring to the urgency of Senate approval for his cabinet picks.

Analysts believe that Trump will face fewer judicial constraints due to the conservative tilt of the Supreme Court, thanks to his nominations during his first term.

The Republicans’ sweep of the presidency and Congress is not uncommon, with past presidents benefiting from majorities at the start of their terms. The loss of the House extinguishes any hope Democrats may have had of obstructing Trump’s agenda.

In a significant day for governance in Washington, Senate Republicans elected John Thune as their new leader, indicating their stance on Trump’s leadership.

President Trump has promised further tax cuts, deregulation, and a tough approach on various issues. He has already started assembling his administration and appears ready to move forward with his agenda.

The top priority for both parties in Congress is funding the government to avoid a shutdown after December 20. The House will vote on the speaker in January when the new Congress convenes.