Two traditionally blue states, California and New York, helped deliver the GOP its majority in the House, with Republican John Duarte’s win in California’s 13th Congressional District providing the party with a critical pickup as it faces razor-thin margins next year.
Democrat Adam Gray conceded to Duarte, a farmer and businessman, on Friday evening in the race for the blue-leaning seat, providing Republicans with a projected 222-212 majority and one vacancy at the start of the 118th Congress.
Duarte’s win in the Central Valley farm belt seat gives Republicans one more seat in the California delegation than they saw in the 117th Congress. And the GOP managed to hold on to and pick up seats in areas where Democrats have seen strong success in the past, with five of the seats Republicans will represent next Congress having been won by President Joe Biden in 2020.
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“On behalf of myself, my family, and all of Team Duarte, I want to thank everyone who powered this campaign. I am honored and ready to serve our Valley. You all sent me to Congress and I will honor your choice every single day in office,” the California Republican tweeted on Monday.
While the party may have fallen short of the red wave projected by political forecasters ahead of Election Day, the Empire State did see a windfall, with many crediting New York for the GOP’s ability to take the majority.
New York accounted for around one-third of the party’s gains this cycle, picking up three seats in the state, with the GOP notably ousting Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY).
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Members in the states are expected to play a critical role in whether House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) can secure the votes needed to win the speaker’s gavel on Jan. 3, the California Republican needing 218 votes to obtain the position.
While he faces significant obstacles, McCarthy has expressed confidence that he will have the backing needed to ultimately lock down the role.
