Democrats edge toward historic House majority

Democrats have won at least 253 House seats and are leading in six of the remaining races, which could push their majority past 260 seats. This would mark the largest House majority since 1991, a period when Democrats typically held over 260 seats before the 1994 Republican Revolution.

While the number of seats flipped is smaller than in past midterms — currently at 43 and potentially reaching 50 — the size of the majority is significant. This would surpass the majority Democrats held when they passed the Affordable Care Act under President Barack Obama.

Despite the potential for a large majority, Democrats will still need Republican support to pass major legislation. They will have between 54 and 56 Senate seats when the remaining races in Alaska and Mississippi are resolved, short of the 60 needed to break a Senate filibuster.

The shift also means House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries may have more flexibility in passing legislation without relying on the full Democratic caucus, reducing the influence of the most liberal or conservative members. However, overriding anticipated vetoes by President Donald Trump will still require Republican backing.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has continued to focus on construction projects, including a controversial triumphal arch, despite GOP losses in the midterms. A judge has temporarily halted construction of the arch, calling the administration’s national security argument 'recent and unsupported.'

The legal battle over the arch is part of a pattern of Trump projects facing scrutiny, including his White House ballroom and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Polls show these projects are broadly unpopular, with 64% of voters saying Trump does not have the right priorities.