Republicans back to power, take over control of House of Representatives by slim majority
WASHINGTON: Republicans won control of the US House on Wednesday, returning the party to power in Washington and giving conservatives leverage to blunt President Joe Biden’s agenda and spur a flurry of investigations. But a threadbare majority will pose immediate challenges for GOP leaders and complicate the party’s ability to govern.
Republicans secured the 218th seat needed to flip the House from Democrats, after incumbent GOP Representative Mike Garcia defeated Christy Smith in California, with Democrats currently holding 211 seats. The full scope of the party’s majority may not be clear for several more days as votes in competitive races are still being counted.
Biden said he would work with House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy: “I congratulate Leader McCarthy on Republicans winning the House majority, and am ready to work with House Republicans to deliver results for working families”.
McCarthy cheered the results, tweeting, “Americans are ready for a new direction, and House Republicans are ready to deliver.”