US: Republicans win House, control both houses of Congress

Republicans on Wednesday were projected to win the majority of the US House of Representatives in Washington, meaning the GOP will control the White House, the House and the Senate when President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in on January 20.

Republicans are slated to maintain their majority in the lower house with at least 218 of the body's 435 seats.

"It is a beautiful morning in Washington. It is a new day in America," Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said before the result was official. "The sun is shining, and that's a reflection about how we all feel. This is a very, very important moment for the country and we do not take it lightly."

Thune to replace McConnell as Senate majority leader

In the Senate, Republicans chose John Thune of South Dakota as the new majority leader, replacing Mitch McConnell, who stepped down from the post after being the top Republican in the chamber for 17 years.

Thune beat out John Cornyn of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida — highly favored among Trump loyalists — for the job.

Thune originally condemned Trump's actions on January 6, 2021, calling them "inexcusable" but has since worked to win back Trump's favor. He is seen as a traditional Republican leader who is well respected by colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

The four-term senator posted a statement on X, saying, "This Republican team is united behind President Trump's agenda, and our work starts today." 

Republicans will control 53 seats in the 100-seat Senate when the new Congress convenes in January.

Thune has previously said he would welcome input from Trump on Senate business. This weekend, the South Dakotan attempted to sidestep Trump's public demand that the Senate allow him to make recess appointments of Cabinet positions — a procedure that would allow him to bypass constitutionally mandated Senate confirmation hearings.

Thune responded by saying the Senate must act "quickly and decisively" to get nominees in place adding, "all options are on the table to make that happen, including recess appointments."