Donald Trump listens to President Mike Johnson during a press conference in Palm Beach, Florida on April 12, 2024. Credit – Joe Raedle–Getty Images

In yet another blow to the Democrats, Donald Trump will begin his presidency with a trio of Republican controls in Washington. The Republican Party not only regained control of the White House and Senate, but also managed to maintain a slim majority in the House, the Associated Press said Wednesday evening, more than a week later. voters went to the polls.

The victory in the House will have significant consequences for the start of Trump’s second term, allowing the president-elect and his allies to advance their comprehensive legislative agenda now that both chambers of Congress are under Republican control until at least 2026 . Priorities are still being worked out, Republicans will be able to confirm Trump’s nominees, pass tax reform, fund border security, revise the Affordable Care Act and legislate on other parts of their program.

Learn more: What Donald Trump’s victory means for the economy

Republicans managed to maintain control of the House thanks to victories in key races where they defended vulnerable seats and expanded their influence in Democratic-held districts. In Pennsylvania, Republicans lost two seats despite a tough campaign by Democrats seeking to capitalize on high-profile issues such as reproductive rights. Republicans also flipped a competitive seat in Colorado and an open seat in Michigan, the latter after Democratic incumbent Rep. Elissa Slotkin entered the state Senate race, which she won. In Arizona, Iowa and Nebraska, which saw some of the most competitive House races in 2024, Republican incumbents appear to have fended off stiff challenges from Democrats. And Republicans are looking to pad their margin in California, where votes continue to be counted in several close races, while the Republican Party could pick up another seat in Alaska, where the race is contested for the state’s only congressional district. The State remains too early to be summoned.

As Republicans celebrate their victory, the party’s razor-thin majority becomes even thinner after several members left their seats to join the party. Trump administration…and internal divisions could create challenges in the years to come. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who stood with Trump on election night and rose to the job after a tumultuous leadership battle last year, faces the difficult task of unifying the caucus then as he prepares to tackle major legislative issues. One of the Republican Party’s most pressing concerns will be the possibility of political gridlock if far-right members of the party clash with moderates over key pieces of legislation, particularly on issues such as government spending .

But now that Republicans control the White House, Senate and House of Representatives, they have a historic opportunity to reshape key aspects of American politics. Republican leaders will push for additional tax cuts, particularly for businesses and high-income earners, building on tax cuts passed during Trump’s first term and making them permanent. One of Trump’s signature issues, immigration reform, is also expected to take center stage. Republicans will likely seek additional funding for border security and enforcement measures, including the construction of a border wall and tighter restrictions on immigration.

Learn more: What Donald Trump’s victory means for immigration

In March, Johnson said House Republicans would pursue “aggressive” and “radical” changes in the first 100 days of a Republican trio. He said on October 28 that there would be “massive” changes to health care in the United States. “Health care reform will be high on the agenda. When I say we are going to have a very aggressive program for the first 100 days, we still have a lot on the table,” he said.

Republicans could push to repeal or revise the Affordable Care Act (ACA), a central campaign promise of Trump and the Republican Party, and potentially replace it with a more market-driven system. Republicans could also pursue conservative social policies, including measures limiting access to abortion and strengthening protections for religious freedom, setting up a clash with Democrats in the coming months. (Trump recently said abortion policy should be set by the states.)

However, the road ahead will not be easy. Even with a Republican trio, the Republican Party will face intense scrutiny, particularly from Democrats and progressive groups, who will continue to fight for their policies in the courts, the Senate and state legislatures.

Write to Nik Popli at [email protected].