Republicans creep closer to securing House of Representatives by slim margin — again

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The result is remarkable and would represent a clean sweep for the party, with Donald Trump soundly defeating Kamala Harris, winning seven out of seven fought-over swing states, winning the popular vote for the first time, and even shrinking his margins of defeat in long-held Democratic bastions like Maryland. open image in gallery Mike Johnson is poised to be speaker of the House once again come January With Donald Trump poised to install loyalists across his administration, the real test for him this time around — in terms of ramming through as much of his ultra-conservative, nationalist agenda as possible — will be posed by Congress. For perspective: last time around, GOP House and Senate majorities worked together to pass Trump’s signature tax cuts in his first year, after trying and failing to repeal the Affordable Care Act. It’s always possible that Republicans will hold the House, too, in 2026. open image in gallery Trump’s ability to rein in Johnson’s unruly caucus will likely determine the fate of his legislative agenda On the Democratic side, wounds remain extremely raw following last week’s defeat.