After 4 years, Democrats poised to retake House majority as votes remain uncounted
A new House majority
Democrats are projected to win enough seats to control the House early next year. Their majority could restrict President Trump’s legislative plans during his final two years in office, while giving congressional Democrats greater authority to investigate his administration and business ventures.
The final margin is not yet clear, with ballots still being counted in several close races. Jeffries, a New York Democrat, is positioned to become the first Black speaker in U.S. history. “Today begins the great American comeback,” Jeffries said.
Investigations and impeachment
Democrats are expected to pursue investigations led by Robert Garcia of California and Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrats on the House Oversight and Judiciary Committees. Disputes over congressional requests for information could bring the administration and Congress into court.
Democrats have not ruled out another effort to impeach Trump, who has said he expects them to try. Jeffries said “we haven’t ruled anything out” or “ruled anything in.” Few Democrats are eager to undertake the process.
Election pressures and party divisions
Midterm elections have often cost the president’s party seats. Since 1934, the American Presidency Project records only three non-presidential election years in which the sitting president’s party gained House seats.
Jeffries could face challenges from democratic socialists and Democrats representing districts Trump won in 2024. Several members of the socialist bloc have not committed to supporting him for speaker, and Pennsylvania Rep.-elect Chris Rabb also declined to say whether he would back Jeffries.
Key points
- CBS News projects Democrats will control the House early next year, but the size of their majority remains unsettled.
- Democrats are expected to investigate Trump’s administration and business ventures, with oversight disputes potentially ending up in court.
- Jeffries is positioned to become the first Black speaker in U.S. history.
- Some members of the Democratic socialist bloc and Rep.-elect Chris Rabb have not committed to supporting Jeffries.