Washington, D.C. — As the dust settles more than a week post-Election Day 2024, a few races for the U.S. House of Representatives remain in limbo. However, sufficient outcomes now confirm that Republicans are projected to retain control with no less than 218 seats—the crucial threshold for a majority.
In the presidential contest, President-elect Donald Trump triumphed over Vice President Kamala Harris. Coupled with the GOP’s anticipated stronghold of 52 seats in the Senate, the stage is set for the Republican party to command the reins of Washington come January.
The ongoing counting frenzy revolves largely around California, where the clock is ticking on mail ballots. State regulations mandate these ballots be postmarked by Election Day while allowing the arrival of additional ballots up to a week afterward. The implications? An extended wait for clarity.
Now, as Congress reconvenes in Washington—after a hiatus that felt like an eternity—Republicans are charged with preparations for their leadership elections. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise appear poised to continue their leadership, but a seat has opened up in the GOP hierarchy following Trump’s endorsement of Rep. Elise Stefanik as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Turning our attention to the unresolved House races as of November 13:
Alaska At-large District
Republican Nick Begich has emerged ahead of incumbent Democrat Mary Peltola by a margin exceeding 10,000 votes, with 71% of the expected vote tallied thus far. Should Begich clinch victory, it would mark a notable GOP gain, as Alaska employs a unique ranked-choice voting system where voters may select multiple candidates in order of preference.
California’s 9th Congressional District
The competitive landscape here leans Democratic, with incumbent Rep. Josh Harder leading Republican Kevin Lincoln by a margin exceeding 7,000 votes, with similar reportings at 71%.
California’s 13th Congressional District
Freshman GOP Rep. John Duarte is narrowly ahead of Democrat Adam Gray by nearly 3,000 votes, with 57% of the tally processed. A rematch of their previous bout in 2022, this race is characterized by CBS News as a toss-up.
California’s 21st Congressional District
With an unstable race narrative, Rep. Jim Costa (Democrat) leads Republican Michael Maher by just over 1,300 votes and 64% of votes reported so far.
California’s 45th Congressional District
GOP incumbent Rep. Michelle Steel holds a lead of 3,900 votes over Democrat Derek Tran, and the race is regarded as a toss-up, adding to a mix of unpredictability. Steel, distinguished as one of the pioneering Korean-American women in Congress, finds herself battling for her second term.
Iowa’s 1st Congressional District
In a rematch of 2022’s contest, Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks inches ahead of Democrat Christina Bohannan by a mere 796 votes, creating a tight scenario deemed a toss-up.
Maine’s 2nd Congressional District
Here, Democratic Rep. Jared Golden has taken a lead over Republican Austin Theriault, prevailing by over 2,100 votes with nearly all votes counted. Notably, Maine’s use of ranked-choice voting calls for a runoff given that neither candidate has secured 50% of the vote, with a fresh round of counting ramping up in Augusta.
Ohio’s 9th Congressional District
The contest involves Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur striving to secure her seat against Republican Derek Merrin in an encounter characterized by CBS News as a toss-up, with Kaptur ahead by just over 1,100 votes and 94% of votes recorded.
Oregon’s 5th Congressional District
Republican incumbent Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer is vying for her position against Democrat Janelle Bynum, who currently leads by over 10,000 votes, indicating a leaning toward Bynum as 88% of votes have been accounted for.
Latest Races Concluded
- California’s 41st Congressional District: Rep. Ken Calvert successfully defended his seat against Democrat Will Rollins, reinforcing Republican presence in the district after three decades of representation.
- California’s 47th Congressional District: Following Rep. Katie Porter’s unsuccessful Senate bid, the competition shifted towards Democrat David Min and Republican Scott Baugh, with CBS News projecting that Min will seize victory.
- Arizona’s 6th Congressional District: Republican Rep. Juan Ciscomani has retained his seat, successfully besting Democrat Kirsten Engel in a closely monitored race once labeled a toss-up.
The electoral landscape is ever-evolving, and as we await the final counts, the implications of these races will echo into the fabric of American politics.
