Supporters assembled outside US President-elect Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida, on December 3, 2024, as reported by Reuters.
Republicans in the US House of Representatives will maintain a narrow 220-215 majority in the upcoming Congress, following a Democratic gain in California, according to Edison Research on Wednesday.
With Trump and the Republicans set to control both the White House and Congress starting next month, the political landscape has shifted significantly to the right post-November's election, resulting in Democrats losing both the presidency and the Senate.
The Republican majority in the House will shrink to 217-215 when the new Congress convenes in January, due to Trump's appointment of two members to key positions in his administration. Trump selected Florida Republicans Mike Waltz as his national security adviser and Matt Gaetz for the role of US attorney general, though Gaetz later withdrew his candidacy.
Democratic Representative Elissa Slotkin will vacate her House seat to represent Michigan in the US Senate, while fellow Democrat Adam Gray secured victory in California's 13th Congressional District, marking the final House race outcome from the November 5 election, according to Edison Research.
Republicans have outlined plans to advance Trump's agenda immediately upon taking office, which includes new tariffs, mass deportations, energy sector deregulation, and extending tax cuts set to expire next year. Congressional leaders suggest they may prioritize border security, energy, and defense before addressing tax cuts.
Additionally, lawmakers must address federal government funding. House Speaker Mike Johnson anticipates a continuing resolution to fund federal agencies until March and does not foresee the US debt ceiling becoming an issue until summer, according to Punchbowl.
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