close
close

Apre-salomemanzo

Breaking: Beyond Headlines!

Who controls the House and Senate?
aecifo

Who controls the House and Senate?

Republicans and Democrats are in a tight battle in 2024 for control of both houses of the 119th Congress.

All 435 houses seats are to be filled this year, and a handful of close matchups could make or break which party ends up with the majority. Republicans are fighting to maintain control of the lower house, while Democrats hope to win enough seats to take over.

There are about two dozen House races where either party could win, regardless of term, according to Cook Political Report. Several prominent lawmakers, such as House Speaker Mike JohnsonR-La., and former Speaker Nancy PelosiD-Calif., are also up for re-election and are expected to win another term.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, there are 34 places to win. About half a dozen of them will probably decided by tight margins.

The Democrats currently hold the majority with 51 seats in the Upper House, which includes four independent senators who discuss with them. The Republicans only need to regain control of two seats to flip the Senate. A handful of Democratic incumbents are leading tough re-election races in Republican-leaning and swing states, including Ohio, Montana, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, while Democrats are hoping for upsets in Texas, Florida and Nebraska .

Follow with USA TODAY for complete coverage.

How many seats are there in Congress?

The United States Congress has a total of 535 seats. With two from each state, there are 100 in the Senate. Depending on its population, each state elects a varying number of people to serve in the House of Representatives. In total, the House has 435 seats.

Rachel Barbier

play

These Senate races will decide the balance of power in Congress

Thirty-four Senate seats will be at stake in November, but a handful of close races could decide the balance of power in Congress.

Who controls Congress now?

Congress is currently divided, with Republicans controlling the House and Democrats holding the majority in the Senate.

− Savanna Kuchar

When does the new Congress take office?

The 119th United States Congress will officially take office on January 3, 2025 at noon. This transition date, set by the 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, ensures that all newly elected members of the House of Representatives and Senate will be able to begin their terms and address key legislative priorities early in the year.

Jeremy Yurow