A clear result may take time: When will we actually know who controls Congress?
A close House balance
Republicans currently have 219 members caucusing with the party. That is one more than the minimum required for a House majority when all seats are filled. The outcome of Tuesday’s election will determine which party controls Congress, but the article says it is anyone’s guess when that result will become clear.
Senate thresholds differ
Democrats need 51 Senate seats to control the chamber. Republicans can reach the threshold with 50, because Vice President JD Vance may cast a tie-breaking vote for his party.
Alaska and Maine use ranked-choice voting, and each has a key Senate race this year. A candidate can win in the first round by receiving more than 50% of the votes.
Past counts offer a guide
The 2022 midterm election provides one comparison: the AP called Senate control four days after Election Day, then called the House eight days later. California, the nation’s most populous state, had thousands of mail ballots dropped off on Election Day. The article does not say when those ballots will be counted.
Key points
- Republicans start with 219 House members, one above the majority threshold when all seats are filled.
- Democrats need 51 Senate seats; Republicans can control the chamber with 50 and a tie-breaking vote from JD Vance.
- In 2022, the AP called Senate control four days after Election Day and the House eight days later.
- Alaska and Maine use ranked-choice voting and have key Senate races this year.