WASHINGTON – The Republican Party has secured control over both the House and the Senate, granting them full power in Congress for at least the next two years. This development sets a favorable stage for President-elect Donald Trump to pursue his agenda.

The GOP emerged victorious in the 435-member House by retaining crucial seats in New York, California, and other battleground areas that were initially thought to be closely contested, according to forecasts from various news networks. Additionally, Republicans gained the Senate by defeating Democratic senators in states like Montana and Ohio, along with other closely monitored elections.

This outcome results in a Republican sweep in Washington for the next two years, creating an opportunity for Trump and his party to advance their interests with minimal opposition.

The last time a party controlled the House, Senate, and the White House was in 2021 and 2022 when Democrats held that power. Their control allowed them to pass significant reforms, including the Electoral Count Act, amid Trump’s second impeachment process after the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and a substantial funding plan aimed at enhancing clean energy and domestic manufacturing.

During Obama’s presidency, from 2009 to 2010, he utilized the Democratic trifecta to push through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a sweeping reform of the financial sector, and the Affordable Care Act.

Republicans also experienced a trifecta during the initial two years of Trump’s first term in 2017 and 2018, where they enacted numerous laws, including a significant tax reduction amounting to $1.5 trillion.

However, in all these instances, the dominance of one party in Washington typically lasted only two years, ending with the subsequent midterm elections when the House swung to the opposing party.

Looking ahead, Trump and Congress are likely to face notable policy challenges surrounding U.S. assistance to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, the possible renewal or alteration of the 2017 tax reforms from Trump’s first term, and government funding issues, among others.

While the prospects appear bleak for Democrats, the complete control by the GOP does present an avenue for the minority party to challenge Republican initiatives and promote emerging leaders. Nevertheless, the Democrats’ ability to effectively check the Republican agenda will be limited. Republicans have committed to maintaining the filibuster and its 60-vote requirement in the Senate, which allows Democrats to block Republican proposals if they unite against them.

Next year’s leadership transition in Congress will mark a significant change for Republicans in the Senate as they prepare for a new leader after nearly two decades. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., won a secret ballot on Wednesday, positioning him as the new Senate majority leader in 2025, succeeding Mitch McConnell, the Senate’s leader from Kentucky, who has decided to step down while completing his term until January 2027 as a regular senator.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who rose to leadership last year after a section of his party voted to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, is anticipated to retain his position when the incoming GOP conference votes on Wednesday afternoon.

Johnson’s major challenge will likely stem from the party’s right wing, particularly from hardline lawmakers who have occasionally criticized his willingness to cooperate with Democrats to prevent government shutdowns. Trump has expressed his support for Johnson, having invited him to speak at campaign rallies for 2024, hosting him at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, and encouraging House Republicans to endorse Johnson for the speakership in 2025.

In the 2024 elections, House Republicans maintained their majority by securing crucial districts in New York, California, Virginia, and Iowa. For example, Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) won against Democrat Lanon Baccam in the Des Moines area and southwest Iowa; Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) triumphed over former Rep. Mondaire Jones in the Hudson Valley; and Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) outperformed Democrat Missy Cotter Smasal in southern Virginia.

Furthermore, Republicans successfully flipped competitive districts in Pennsylvania, with Democratic Reps. Matt Cartwright and Susan Wild conceding to their Republican challengers Robert Bresnahan and Ryan Mackenzie.