Republicans edge closer to House majority as final votes pour in

Donald Trump's Republicans maintained a slight advantage on Friday as officials continued counting final votes to determine control of the US House of Representatives, although Democrats managed to overturn two Republican seats in New York state.

The Republicans have secured at least 211 seats, falling seven seats short of a majority in the 435-member chamber, with 24 races still uncalled, according to Edison Research projections. Republicans are anticipated to hold a majority of at least 53 seats in the Senate.

If Republicans gain full control of Congress, Trump would have significant leeway to advance his policies, including extensive tax cuts, energy deregulation, and strengthened border security. Conversely, if Democrats manage to capture the House, needing victories in 18 of the remaining 24 seats, they would establish a stronghold to counterbalance Trump.

Democratic hopes of winning the House focus on regions in California and New York. In New York, Laura Gillen ousted Republican U.S. Representative Anthony D'Esposito to represent part of Long Island’s suburbs, while Josh Riley defeated Republican US Representative Marc Molinaro in the Catskills area.

Meanwhile, in Nebraska, moderate Republican US Representative Don Bacon successfully fended off Democrat Tony Vargas in a liberal-leaning district around Omaha.

A Republican Senate majority enables them to confirm Trump’s cabinet choices, judges, and other key appointments, although they lack the 60-vote threshold needed to rapidly pass most legislation.

The remaining close Senate races are in Nevada, where incumbent Democrat Jacky Rosen leads Republican Sam Brown by 1.3 percentage points with 96% of votes counted, and Arizona, where Democrat Ruben Gallego is ahead of Republican Kari Lake by 1.7 percentage points with 74% of votes tallied.