393 seats: Jeffries leads Democrats to House control

Hakeem Jeffries declared that America is back as House Democrats secured control of the chamber in Tuesday's midterm election.

The shift in power ends a period of Republican dominance in Washington. Voters delivered a blue wave that upends President Donald Trump's second term agenda. This result forces the administration into a lame duck status starting in January.

Jeffries, a New York Democrat, is poised to become the first Black House speaker in history. He opened his remarks to supporters in Washington, D.C., by stating, "America is back." He told the crowd that the party plans to deliver as soon as they take control in January. His immediate priority is addressing the cost of living for American families.

The new leadership will focus on specific policy areas to improve affordability. Jeffries outlined plans to expand access to affordable housing and education. He also listed healthcare and retirement benefits as key targets for the new Congress. "We're going to fight to make sure that we make this country affordable for every single American," Jeffries said. "This is a change election. And we understand as House Democrats we need to deliver dramatic change. Things are broken. We need a Congress that puts the American people first."

The victory comes after a difficult campaign where Republicans outspent Democrats across the country. Jeffries acknowledged the financial deficit his party faced. He argued that voters sent a message that they are done with political extremism and corruption. "We're going to bring accountability to those who have visited unprecedented corruption on this country," he said. "Because if you have people in high office who are so focused on enriching themselves, their family members, their friends or their donors, then they are not focused on making life better for the American people."

House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the loss in Shreveport, Louisiana. He told supporters that the "grand experiment" of democracy is not controlled by a king or a monarch. Johnson admitted that retaining control of the lower chamber required defying more than a century of midterm history. "It's very, very difficult to overcome and it looks like history will be kept tonight," Johnson said. He stated that he left it all on the field to try to sustain the majority but faced unfavorable odds.

The divided government will create a new dynamic in Washington. President Trump retains the power to veto legislation, which will complicate the Democratic agenda. The party expects clashes over affordability measures, but the new majority will set the initial legislative priorities for the coming session.