Republicans secure majority in House

The Republican Party has secured a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives after the election, as stated by AP based on election data. They now control both chambers of Congress as the members convene on January 3rd. According to AP, Republicans have won at least 218 seats, the exact number required for a majority in the 435-member House. Meanwhile, Democrats are reported to have secured 208 seats. Nine districts in California, Oregon, Alaska, Ohio, Maine, and Iowa have yet to declare winners, which will determine the size of the Republican majority. With a majority in the Senate already and Donald Trump’s victory on November 5th, the Republicans are set to wield significant power in Washington D.C. NBC News reports that with control of both Congressional chambers, Trump can swiftly form his government, while Senate approval of his nominees is facilitated by a Republican majority, thus granting him considerable political leeway.