The competition between Republicans and Democrats for control of both the House and Senate in the 119th Congress is extremely close as we approach 2024.

All 435 House seats are available for election this cycle, and a few narrowly contested races could determine which party secures the majority. Republicans are working to maintain their dominance in the House, while Democrats are aiming to gain enough seats to take control.

According to the Cook Political Report, there are roughly two dozen races in the House that are highly competitive, with either party having a realistic chance of winning, regardless of who is currently holding the seat. Noteworthy lawmakers like House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., are also in the running for reelection and are anticipated to win new terms.

In the Senate, there are 34 seats available this election, with around six expected to be decided by very close votes.

Currently, Democrats hold the majority in the Senate with 51 seats, factoring in four independents who caucus with them. Republicans only need to net two more seats to shift control of the Senate. Some Democratic incumbents face hard battles for reelection in Republican-friendly and swing states like Ohio, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, while Democrats are optimistic about potential victories in Texas, Florida, and Nebraska.

Stay tuned with YSL News for comprehensive updates.

What’s the Breakdown of Seats in Congress?

In total, there are 535 seats in the U.S. Congress. The Senate has 100 seats, with two from each state. Each state’s representation in the House of Representatives varies based on its population for a total of 435 seats.

−Rachel Barber

Current Control of Congress

The current Congress is split: Republicans control the House while Democrats hold the majority in the Senate.

−Savannah Kuchar

Inauguration of the New Congress

The 119th U.S. Congress will officially begin its term on January 3, 2025, at noon. This date is mandated by the 20th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, allowing newly elected members of the House and Senate to start their terms and prioritize their legislative agenda from the very beginning of the new year.

−Jeremy Yurow

Key Senate Races to Watch

This election cycle features 34 Senate races, with nine identified as particularly competitive. These races could play a crucial role in determining which party wins control of the Senate:

• Ohio: Incumbent Senator Sherrod Brown (D) vs. businessman Bernie Moreno (R)
• Montana: Incumbent Senator Jon Tester (D) vs. Republican Tim Sheehy
• Pennsylvania: Incumbent Senator Bob Casey (D) vs. former official David McCormick (R)
• Nebraska: Incumbent Senator Deb Fischer (R) vs. independent Dan Osborn
• Texas: Incumbent Senator Ted Cruz (R) vs. former NFL player Colin Allred (D)
• Michigan: Incumbent Senator Elissa Slotkin (D) vs. Republican Mike Rogers
• Wisconsin: Incumbent Senator Tammy Baldwin (D) vs. businessman Eric Hovde (R)
• Nevada: Incumbent Senator Jacky Rosen (D) vs. former military officer Sam Brown
• Arizona: U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego (D) vs. Former TV anchor and gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake (R).

−Jeremy Yurow