Democrats Set to Seize Congress as 2025 Vote Signals More Gridlock and Investigations
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CBS News projections show Democrats winning back the House and Senate, setting up aggressive oversight fights with President Trump’s administration in the next Congress.
CBS News projections indicate that Democrats will secure enough seats to regain control of the House of Representatives early next year, ending the Republican majority that has held for four years. The shift follows voter concerns about the cost of living, which helped Democrats win competitive races, even as final tallies in several districts are still pending. Democrats are also projected to take the Senate.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the result a “change election” and said the party intends to push major policy shifts. He added that Democrats have not ruled out any actions, including potential impeachment proceedings, though he did not specify any plans.
Democratic leaders are preparing to use new subpoena authority to investigate the president’s business interests, immigration enforcement, the Jeffrey Epstein case, recent pardons, and federal construction projects. Representatives Robert Garcia and Jamie Raskin are expected to lead these oversight efforts.
The party also plans to use control of federal spending to pressure the administration’s agenda, including proposals to reverse recent Medicaid cuts, extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits, end U.S. involvement in the Iran conflict, and roll back recent tariffs.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson warned that Republicans will not be deterred by the election outcome and cautioned against partisan retaliation, saying such actions would harm all Americans.
The projected composition of the 119th Congress shows a narrow Republican majority of 218 seats, with Democrats holding 214, one independent, and two vacancies. Internal party dynamics and recent defections on specific legislation highlight the challenges both chambers may face in the coming term.