JANESVILLE, Wisc. – Republicans managed to hold the majority in the House Tuesday, losing far less seats than pollsters initially expected.
The party lost less than 10 districts, placing them well above the 30 seats threshold needed to maintain in power in the lower chamber. While Republicans were projected to keep the House, the news comes as a major blow to Democrats, who were realistically hoping to pick up around 15 seats.
House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin spent the month leading up to the election crisscrossing the country, campaigning with candidates in vulnerable districts. He raised nearly $30 million for down-ballot races, in his push to maintain power in the House.
The Wisconsin Republican credited the party’s success to president-elect Donald Trump, he told reporters Wednesday. “Our House majority is greater than expected. We won more seats than ever expected and that is thanks to Donald Trump.”
The unusual nature of the 2016 election cycle presented a unique set of challenges for moderate candidates that were hesitant to support Trump, with some experts suggesting he would cost a number of members their seats. Pollsters predictions turned out to be wildly off target, as the top of the ticket appears to have actually helped a number of down-ballot candidates in vulnerable districts.
While the night was largely seen as a Republican victory, Democrats did manage to take out a small number of GOP seats.
Florida Rep. David Jolly was unseated by former Gov. Charlie Crist, a Republican turned Democrat. Twelve-term Florida Rep. John Mica was defeated by Democrat Stephanie Murphy.
For the first time since the Bush administration, the GOP will hold both chambers and the executive branch. President Barack Obama’s landmark policies are expected to be overthrown as soon as Trump takes office as he promised to immediately do away with Obamacare and overturn a number of major regulations.
Lawmakers are slated to be back at work Nov. 14 in Washington, where they face an uphill battle on hashing out a budget deal before their Dec. 9 deadline. They will recess again for Thanksgiving the following week.
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