As three U.S. House races remain uncalled nearly three weeks after Election Day, the GOP’s majority hangs in the balance. With contests still undecided in California’s 13th and 45th districts and Iowa’s 1st district, the final tally for the next Congress remains unclear.
In California’s 13th district, Republican Rep. John Duarte leads Democrat Adam Gray by only 204 votes. This district is no stranger to close calls—Duarte narrowly defeated Gray in 2022 by just 564 votes.
In the 45th district, Democrat Derek Tran is ahead of Republican Rep. Michelle Steel by 545 votes. With 99% of ballots counted, Steel’s chances of reclaiming her seat are increasingly uncertain.
In Iowa, Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks holds an 800-vote lead over Democrat Christina Bohannan. Despite a recount request from Bohannan, Miller-Meeks has criticized the move as unnecessary, calling it a misuse of taxpayer funds.
Republicans currently hold 219 seats to Democrats’ 213, according to the Associated Press. If the GOP maintains its leads, they will secure 221 seats, though upcoming special elections in New York and Florida could impact the final balance.
As these races remain unresolved, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) prepares to lead with a narrow majority. The outcomes in these districts will play a crucial role in shaping the legislative priorities of the 119th Congress.
