Key Races Determine Control of the House as Republicans and Democrats Battle for Majority

Mon Oct 20 2025 09:47:09 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

With just a few key races left to be decided, the control of the US House of Representatives remains uncertain as the party lines are set for potential shifts.

Republicans are currently trailing by seven seats needed for control of the House, while Democrats require 15 as several close races including pivotal districts in California, Arizona, Maine, and Ohio will determine legislative power as the new term approaches.

The balance of control in the US House of Representatives is a critical issue as final votes are counted and key races are monitored. As of Thursday morning, Republicans stood seven seats shy of the 218 required for majority control, while Democrats needed 15 more to reclaim their hold. With the Senate and the White House already leaning Republican, President-elect Donald Trump could take office on January 20, 2025, with significant legislative power if his party secures the House.

Control of the House is essential for any party as it allows the initiation of spending legislation and the potential launch of impeachment proceedings against federal officials. As tensions rise in the political atmosphere, the Democratic Party remains hopeful that the last votes from critical races will swing their way and provide them the majority.

In California, Democrats are focusing on five contentious districts. In California’s 45th District, Republican Congresswoman Michelle Steel is clinging to a lead against Democrat Derek Tran, sitting just 4 points ahead with 70% of votes reported. Similarly, Democrats have their eyes on California’s 27th, where Congressman Mike Garcia faces a tight contest with Democrat George Whitesides, leading by 2 points with 69% of the votes counted. A close race is also observed in California’s 41st, where Congressman Ken Calvert leads Democrat Will Rollins by a mere 2% with 76% of votes counted. In California’s 22nd and 13th Districts, incumbent Republicans David Valadao and John Duarte lead their respective challengers by 10 and 2 points.

Arizona's district races show similarly close calls, as Republican Juan Ciscomani holds a lead of just 0.5% over Democrat Kirsten Engel in the 6th District, with 67% of the vote counted. In the 1st District, David Schweikert leads Amish Shah by 1%.

Meanwhile, in Maine, incumbent Democratic Congressman Jared Golden faces a tight race against Republican Austin Theriault, with Golden's lead narrowing to less than a point. In Ohio's 9th District, which encompasses Toledo, long-serving Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur is fighting to maintain her seat against Derek Merrin, currently holding a slight 0.3-point advantage.

As these races unfold, anticipation builds as both parties ready for potential shifts in power leading up to the next congressional term.