WASHINGTON – It seems likely that Republicans will maintain control of the House, solidifying their command over Capitol Hill as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to Washington.

However, Democrats still have a chance to gain a majority in the 435-seat House if they win remaining races in California, Arizona, and Oregon. The Republicans currently have the advantage.

Initially, Democrats succeeded in unseating several Republican incumbents in suburban New York, but this progress was counterbalanced by the GOP regaining seats in Michigan and Pennsylvania, which came after significant losses for Vice President Kamala Harris in critical states.

As of Sunday morning, the Associated Press reported that Democrats held 202 seats and Republicans had 212 seats, meaning Republicans need just six more wins for a slim majority, while Democrats require 16 additional seats.

Democratic leaders are urging calm as they await results from these states, while Republican lawmakers are expressing confidence that the outcomes will favor them.

“It is crucial that we count every vote and wait for clear results from Oregon, Arizona, and California,” stated House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who could become the next speaker if Democrats are successful, in comments made on Nov. 7.

The delayed results, nearly a week post-Election Day, have frustrated some Republican representatives, who have alleged without proof that states are purposefully delaying the count.

“Each congressional district has roughly the same number of voters,” remarked Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky., on X, previously known as Twitter.

“There’s absolutely no reason for Arizona and California to take such a long time counting ballots in the weeks following the election. I knew who won my election just hours after the polls closed, not weeks.”

Different states have various procedures regarding ballot counting after Election Day, and some are more reliant on mail-in ballots than others. This does not imply anything has gone awry with the elections.

But what could the consequences be if Democrats manage to gain the House instead of Republicans? What implications would it have for Trump’s second term? Here’s what you should be aware of.

Trump’s policy goals at risk: from mass deportations to tax changes

The outcome of this election will significantly influence whether Trump’s policies are supported or obstructed.

If the House remains under GOP control, Trump and his supporters will find it easier to advance their agenda in Washington. Conversely, if the Democrats retake the majority, they may argue that voters are seeking a balance against the Republicans.

Trump’s primary focus areas include immigration and border security, promising the most extensive deportation efforts in U.S. history against undocumented immigrants as part of his 2024 campaign. Funding such extensive federal operations — which Trump claims won’t be an issue — will require passage through the House, which would likely be a challenge if Democrats hold the majority.

However, the Democrats would not only oppose Trump on immigration. Without a House majority, Trump would need to negotiate with Jeffries and the Democrats on critical legislation, like spending bills necessary for keeping the government operational and avoiding significant shutdowns.

These scenarios often lead to dramatic disagreements, even with Republicans in charge of the House. Notably, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy faced removal under similar circumstances as tensions ran high during negotiations.

Some of Trump’s Republican colleagues have expressed frustration over his collaboration with Democrats to prevent a government shutdown.

However, tensions are likely to escalate if the Democrats control one house while Republicans hold the presidency and the Senate.

For instance, Trump’s $1.5 trillion tax cuts from 2017 are due to expire next year. The future of these cuts and the overall national tax policy will significantly depend on who secures the House majority. Although there was some bipartisan agreement on issues like reducing federal taxes on tips (which both Trump and Harris supported), the president-elect’s proposal to lower corporate tax rates will rely heavily on the House’s political composition.

Conversely, any stringent conservative domestic policies, such as dismantling the Affordable Care Act, enacting stricter abortion laws, removing climate change regulations, or cutting funding for schools that conservatives oppose based on racial, gender identity, and historical curriculum issues, will likely face insurmountable challenges unless Republicans maintain their lead in the House race.

After experiencing a bruising defeat in the presidential race, Democrats could be seen as the primary obstacle for Trump, and they may be reluctant to collaborate on meaningful legislation, considering their progressive base.

Investigations and impeachments

Trump, who has already faced two impeachments, is eager to steer clear of a Democratic-controlled House primarily due to the investigative powers it holds.

The majority party not only decides which bills are voted on but also oversees committees that can investigate sitting presidents and their associates. In the House, these investigations can create significant challenges for the current administration, even if they don’t lead to major policy changes.

For instance, the House Oversight Committee and the House Judiciary Committee, under the leadership of Reps. James Comer, R-Ky., and Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, spent months probing President Joe Biden for signs of corruption or power misuse, ultimately finding no evidence and choosing not to recommend impeachment.

Would Democrats initiate their own investigations immediately after the new Congress begins in January? Jeffries indicated on NY1 that the party aims to “identify bipartisan common ground whenever possible, while also firmly resisting MAGA extremism when necessary.”

Trump makes history as the only U.S. president to face impeachment twice. His first impeachment was a result of a 2019 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which he implied withholding U.S. aid unless Zelenskyy investigated Joe Biden and his son, Hunter Biden.

The House later approved articles of impeachment against Trump shortly before his presidency ended following the Capitol riot, but he was acquitted by the Senate in both cases.

If Republicans maintain control of the House, it’s plausible to see ongoing inquiries into the origins of COVID-19, along with other investigations regarding the Biden administration’s actions, including the prosecution of those involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

Throughout his campaign, Trump expressed intentions to pursue political adversaries and support their prosecution, which would be more feasible with a Republican-controlled House. While Trump’s allies suggest that any achievements during his term might represent a form of retaliation, some have hinted at potential legal consequences.

“President Trump will not misuse the DOJ for political vengeance against rivals simply due to their opposition,” remarked Mark Paoletta, a lawyer from Trump’s first administration in a Nov. 7 post on X.

“However,” he added, “being a political adversary does not exempt someone from facing legal consequences if they’ve broken the law.”