Democrats Close In on Largest House Majority Since 1991

Democrats have won at least 253 House seats and are leading in six outstanding races, positioning their majority to approach or exceed 260 seats, the largest since 1991. This surpasses the 257 seats held at the start of Barack Obama's presidency. The party has flipped 43 seats, potentially reaching around 50, though this is smaller than the 64-seat gain by Republicans in 2010 or 54 in 1994. Democrats will still lack the 60 Senate votes needed to break filibusters, holding between 54 and 56 seats, and will need Republican support to override presidential vetoes. Incoming House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries will have flexibility to pass legislation without full caucus support, reducing the influence of the most liberal or conservative members. However, Democrats cannot govern alone and will require bipartisan cooperation for major legislation.