The 2024 election results show the Republican Party has regained control of the U.S. Senate, but the outcome for the U.S. House of Representatives remains pending as of Nov. 7, with Republicans currently in the lead.
For the first time since 2021, Republicans secured a Senate majority, winning 53 seats, while Democrats came up short with 45. Each party needed to reach or surpass 50 seats to win the Senate.
As of Nov. 7, the race for the House remains too close to call, with Republicans leading at 211 seats and Democrats holding at 199. A party must secure 218 seats to gain the House majority.
If the Republican Party won the House, they would control every branch of government. This follows the Republican majority in the Supreme Court, and Republican candidate, Donald J. Trump, winning the 2024 presidential election.
With the potential for all three branches of government to be under Republican control, Project 2025 could soon become a reality.
Organized by the Heritage Foundation with support from a coalition of over 100 conservative organizations, Project 2025 is a 900-page policy blueprint designed to guide a future conservative administration.
The Project 2025 agenda outlines several key policy goals, such as banning critical race theory and gender-related teachings, eliminating DEI and climate initiatives within the Department of Treasury, curtailing the CDC’s legal powers, cutting Medicaid funds for Planned Parenthood and enforcing stricter immigration policies.
As Republicans regain legislative power, party members are already setting the stage for changes outlined in Project 2025.
“Tonight, with Republicans reclaiming majority control of the U.S. Senate, we can begin to turn the page on this expensive and reckless chapter of American history,” Sen. John Thune of South Dakota said on a Nov. 6 press release.
Republican senators such as Ted Cruz have expressed pride and hope for the future in their recent speeches.
“The results tonight, this decisive victory should shake the Democrat establishment to its core,” Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said after his win.
In addition to increased Republican representation, there have been history-making wins that have also taken place in the Senate.
Angela Alsobrooks made history as the first Black woman elected to the Senate from Maryland.
Along with that historic moment, Sarah McBride became the first openly transgender woman to win a congressional seat in Delaware. Lisa Blunt Rochester also made history as Delaware’s first Black woman elected to the Senate.
Together, Rochester and Alsobrooks mark the first time two Black women will serve in the Senate simultaneously.
Copy edited by Camiryn Stepteau
