FILE - In this Nov. 6, 2018, file photo, Young Kim, then a Republican candidate for the 39th Congressional District in California, speaks to supporters in the Rowland Heights section of Los Angeles. This year, Kim narrowly defeated Democratic Rep. Gil Cisneros in a Southern California district the GOP lost two years ago. Kim, a former state legislator, won her rematch with Cisneros and gave Republicans their second House victory over a Democratic incumbent in Orange County this election. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
The Associated Press (AP) is a U.S.-based not-for-profit news agency headquartered in New York City.
Mark J. Terrill / AP
FILE - In this Nov. 6, 2018, file photo, Young Kim, then a Republican candidate for the 39th Congressional District in California, speaks to supporters in the Rowland Heights section of Los Angeles. This year, Kim narrowly defeated Democratic Rep. Gil Cisneros in a Southern California district the GOP lost two years ago. Kim, a former state legislator, won her rematch with Cisneros and gave Republicans their second House victory over a Democratic incumbent in Orange County this election. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
(Washington) — Republicans will have at least 203 seats in the next House, giving them enough wins to assure that Democrats will have fewer members next year.
The GOP crossed the mark Friday night when The Associated Press declared Republican Young Kim the winner against Democratic Rep. Gil Cisneros in Southern California.
Democrats have nailed down at least 219 seats and could win a few others when more votes are counted.
That ensures they will hold the House for two more years but with a smaller, potentially razor-thin majority, a bittersweet finale to last week’s elections that has left them divided and with scant margin for error for advancing their agenda.
Democrats went into Election Day with a 232-197 House advantage, plus an independent and five open seats.
It is possible that in the new Congress that convenes in January, they’ll have the smallest majority since Republicans had just 221 seats two decades ago.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
