Willie R. Tubbs, FISM News
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A week and two days after Election Day, Republicans can officially rest easy in the knowledge that they will hold the gavel in the lower chamber of Congress for at least the next two years.
Although some Congressional races have still not been called, Republicans hit the magic number of 218 seats late Wednesday when California’s 27th district was called in favor of Mike Garcia.
Garcia has already claimed victory a day before, but on Wednesday the last of the major political prognosticators agreed that he was on track to defeat Democrat Christy Smith.
“It is the honor of my lifetime to continue to serve #CA27 in Congress,” Garcia tweeted Tuesday. “I ran to fight for California families and protect the American Dream, and I look forward to working hard every day to continue that mission. Thank you #CA27!”
It is the honor of my lifetime to continue to serve #CA27 in Congress. I ran to fight for California families and protect the American Dream, and I look forward to working hard every day to continue that mission. Thank you #CA27! https://t.co/xkw6vRET7v
— Mike Garcia (@ElectMikeGarcia) November 16, 2022
If Garcia was honored, Speaker of the House in-waiting Kevin McCarthy was elated. Garcia’s win meant that, even without a “red wave,” McCarthy’s “Commitment to America” plan was still a winner.
“IT’S OFFICIAL! Democrats’ One-Party rule is OVER,” McCarthy tweeted Wednesday. “@HouseGOP and I are ready to get to work for the American people, and fulfill our #CommitmentToAmerica with a GOP House Majority.”
IT'S OFFICIAL! Democrats' One-Party rule is OVER. @HouseGOP and I are ready to get to work for the American people, and fulfill our #CommitmentToAmerica with a GOP House Majority.
— Kevin McCarthy (@kevinomccarthy) November 16, 2022
If all candidates currently in the lead in the six Congressional races yet to be called — four in California, one in Colorado, and one in Alaska — Republicans will wind up with a 222-213 majority for 2023 and 2024.
What that means for the future of President Joe Biden’s legislative plans remains to be seen and will likely hinge on just how many votes ahead of the Democrats Republicans wind up.
The president certainly attempted to be diplomatic in his first remarks after the fate of the House was known.
“In this election, voters spoke clearly about their concerns: the need to lower costs, protect the right to choose, and preserve our democracy,” Biden said in a statement. “I will work with anyone — Republican or Democrat — willing to work with me to deliver results for them.”
The words might be kind, but it’s far more likely Biden finds a cooperative hand on most matters hard to come by in the next two years.
Republicans have quite the reputation for being able to stick together on most issues and are unlikely to be particularly eager to help Biden achieve his primary legislative goals.