The GOP has flipped the House Of Representatives after crossing the 218-seat mark for majority on Wednesday night, a week after the Election Day. Though an expected 'red wave' didnt happen, this will still enable the party to torpedo key Biden policies and launch investigations into the administration.
The party touched the decisive figure after incumbent Rep. Mike Garcia won the California's 27th District against Democratic candidate Christy Smith.
Just after the mandate was out, US President Joe Biden congratulated House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who is in line to be the next speaker. "I congratulate Leader McCarthy on Republicans winning the House majority, and am ready to work with House Republicans to deliver results for working families," Biden said in a statement.
"Last week’s elections demonstrated the strength and resilience of American democracy. There was a strong rejection of election deniers, political violence, and intimidation. There was an emphatic statement that, in America, the will of the people prevails." a statement from the president said.
The House Republicans already voted for Kevin McCarthy as their leader on Tuesday.
The 'red wave' that wasn't
In the run-up to the midterm elections, poll prediction was that Republicans would swarm the House with a wide majority while they may also flip the Senate.
Both failed to materialize. While Democrats managed to retain the Senate, in a huge relief for Biden, the Republicans could reclaim the House but with a razor-thin majority. Not only didn't the red wave fizzle out, but also only six Democratic incumbents fell. This despite Biden’s plummetting approval ratings and a lackluster economy triggering inflation and rising gas prices.
Despite all the odds stacked against them, the Democrats have the issue of abortion to thank. This gave the ruling party a weapon against the Republicans, thereby avoiding a disastrous elections. Result: Many incumbents like Reps. Abigail Spanberger of Virginia, Angie Craig of Minnesota and Chris Pappas of New Hampshire, who were expected not to survive, made it through.
But, the Republicans did manage to flip some significant seats in Viginia, Arizona, New Jersey and Iowa. They also could pick up open seats in Arizona, Michigan, New York, Oregon, Texas and Wisconsin.
What's next
Now that the GOP has its grip over the House, the party will soon set its agenda. Republicans will now have the power to decide what to bring to the floor and only pass legislations that align with their agenda.
Besides, the House Republicans will have subpoena power and control over powerful committees, which will help them launch investigations into the Biden administration. This can include everything from the pullout from Afghanistan, border policies, Covid-19 pandemic and vaccine mandates, the FBI search of Mar-a-Lago and business dealings of Joe Biden’s son Hunter.
