House Republican leaders expressed confidence that they will control the lower chamber next year during a private conference call on Thursday, even as some races remain too close to call.
That sentiment was conveyed by Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), the chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, who ticked through a number of races on the call, a source told The Hill. A second source described the call as “an overview of the outstanding races.”
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) praised Hudson, the source said, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) offered thanks and praise to various individuals. He also noted that the conference picked up seats in Michigan and Pennsylvania.
Scalise told members to get ready to work, according to the source.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) similarly said the conference needs to stay focused while also expressing happiness that the conference will have the majority, the source said.
Additionally, he heaped praise on President-elect Trump.
The source described the conversation as a “positive call,” adding “everyone is happy and praising everyone.”
“Lots of positive vibes,” they added.
The GOP optimism comes as Republicans appear to be in better shape than Democrats in terms of clinching the majority. Republicans currently control 213 seats compared to 200 for Democrats, according to Decision Desk HQ, and they are leading in a number of too-close-to-call races.
Democrats, nonetheless, are holding out hope. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on Thursday said “It has yet to be decided who will control the House of Representatives in the 119th Congress,” pointing to uncalled races in a number of states.
Election forecasters have said it could take weeks to determine who will control the House next year.
