Democrats extend US House lead to 253 seats as vote count continues

Democrats expanded their majority in the US House of Representatives as results from Tuesday’s midterm elections continued to come in, Anadolu Agency reported, citing US media.

As of 0922 GMT Friday, Democrats had secured 253 seats in the 435-member House, compared with 157 for Republicans. Twenty-five races had not been called.

Democrats also secured control of the Senate, with the party and two independents who caucus with it holding 54 seats combined, against 44 for Republicans. Two Senate races remained undecided.

In governorships, Democrats held a 28-20 advantage, while contests in Alaska and Kansas were still too close to call, according to US media reports.

Democrats flip Republican-held House seats

In New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District, Democrat Zack Mullock defeated Republican incumbent Jeff Van Drew, receiving 50.8% of the vote to Van Drew’s 48.2%, with 97% of ballots counted.

In New York’s 17th District, Democrat Cait Conley unseated Republican incumbent Mike Lawler with 52.8% of the vote. The Associated Press called the race at 2:12 a.m. EST Friday.

Democrat Kristina Knickerbocker defeated Republican incumbent Mike Turner in Ohio’s 10th District, winning 49.3% of the vote against 47.7%.

In North Carolina’s 9th District, Democrat Richard N. Ojeda II defeated Republican incumbent Richard Hudson with 51.1% of the vote, with 99% of ballots counted.

Democrats also flipped Republican-held seats in Colorado and Arizona. Jessica Killin defeated Republican incumbent Jeff Crank in Colorado’s 5th District with 50.5% of the vote. In Arizona’s 6th District, JoAnna Mendoza unseated Republican incumbent Juan Ciscomani with 52.8%, according to results with 89% of ballots counted.

Republicans win or retain several districts

In Tennessee’s 9th District, Republican Brent Taylor defeated Democrat Justin Pearson, taking 49.6% of the vote to Pearson’s 48.5%, with 99% of ballots counted.

Republican Mike Kennedy won Utah’s 4th District, defeating Democrat Jonny Larsen with 53.2% of the vote.

In Washington’s 4th District, Republican Amanda McKinney defeated Democrat John Duresky with 54.7% of the vote.

Republican incumbent Anna Paulina Luna retained Florida’s 13th District, defeating Democrat Leela Gray with 49.5% of the vote to Gray’s 48.7%.