Key House Races Hang in Balance as Republicans Aim for Control

Tue Oct 21 2025 12:54:24 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

With American voters delivering mixed results, the fate of House control remains uncertain as several crucial races are still too close to call.

As Republicans and Democrats battle for seats in the House of Representatives, several races across California, Arizona, Maine, and Ohio could determine which party will gain control.

The struggle for control of the US House of Representatives remains undecided, with Republicans currently falling seven seats short of the necessary 218 to take power. Meanwhile, Democrats are 15 votes away from a majority, intensifying the competition in the remaining battlegrounds. Already, the Senate and White House have shifted back towards Republican leadership ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025.

Holding the House provides significant power to either party, especially regarding spending legislation and the potential for impeachment processes. A unified Republican presence could lead to the implementation of tax cuts and stricter border regulations, while Democrats are clinging to the hope that final votes from tight races could tip control in their favor.

California is key for Democrats, who are eyeing five vital races. While incumbent Republicans are faring well in initial counts, the gaps remain tight:
- In California's 45th, Congresswoman Michelle Steel holds a 4-point lead over challenger Derek Tran.
- California's 27th sees Democrat George Whitesides narrowly trailing Congressman Mike Garcia by just 2 points.
- In California's 41st, Ken Calvert is edging out Democrat Will Rollins with only a 2% margin.
- California's 22nd has David Valadao leading Democrat Rudy Salas by 10 points, while in the 13th, Republican John Duarte leads Adam Gray by 2 points.

Turning east, Arizona's two closely-watched races are nearing a finish with margins less than 2%. Juan Ciscomani leads his opponent, Kirsten Engel, by a mere 0.5 points in district 6. Meanwhile, David Schweikert is ahead of Amish Shah by 1% in the 1st district.

In Maine, incumbent Democrat Jared Golden is in a tight race against Republican Austin Theriault, leading by less than a point with most votes counted. Ohio's long-serving Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur also battles to maintain her seat, boasting a narrow lead over Republican opponent Derek Merrin by 0.3 points.

As voters and political experts wait for the last tallies, all eyes remain on these decisive races.