GOP Set For Slim House Maj, But Another Prominent Trump Candidate Loses Out

The Republican party is on course to secure a narrow majority in the House of Representatives following the calling of two Californian and one New York seats for the GOP. This puts the Republicans on 217 seats, one short of a majority, with 14 left to declare. Of these, at least three are seen as strong likelihood to be won by the Republicans.

• Given the high expectations before the midterms, taking the House with such a narrow majority is already being painted as a setback for the GOP by both Democrats and Republicans.
• Following the Democrats retaining control of the Senate, focus turns to leadership contests for Senate minority leader and Speaker of the House. Presumptive speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) now no longer assured of this position, as he is leveled with some of the blame for the Republicans' poor performance.
• In Arizona, another candidate prominently supported by former President Donald Trump, with former TV news anchor Kari Lake losing out in the state's gubernatorial race to Democrat Katie Hobbs. Lake was a prominent 2020 election results denier, and had been seen as a rising star within the Trump-affiliated ranks of the GOP.
• Lake's loss, alongside many other Trump-backed candidates in key senate races, could cool future Republican hopefuls from seeking the former president's backing come the 2024 primaries and congressional races.