The Republican Party made significant gains in the House races on Tuesday, with incumbent Rep. David Valadao securing re-election in California’s 22nd Congressional District and Gabe Evans claiming victory in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District. These victories bring the GOP closer to a majority in the House, with the current breakdown standing at 216 Republicans to 206 Democrats.
Valadao’s win in California marks a high-stakes rematch against his Democratic challenger Rudy Salas. This race was closely watched, as Valadao, a moderate Republican, has held the seat since 2013, with the exception of one term between 2019-21. The district, located in California’s Central Valley, is known for its agricultural workers and has a majority Latino population. Despite facing a challenge from a strong Democratic candidate, Valadao’s moderate stance and local roots helped him secure victory.
Meanwhile, Gabe Evans’ victory in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District further bolsters the Republican Party’s chances of taking control of the House. This district, considered a tossup, was also hotly contested. Evans’ win adds to the GOP’s momentum as they strive to gain the 13 seats needed to secure a majority.
The race for control of the House remains tight, with 13 races yet to be called as of Tuesday evening. These victories for the GOP highlight the ongoing fight for control of the House, with both parties working hard to secure a majority in the upcoming 2024 election. With the stakes high, the remaining undecided races will be closely watched as they could significantly impact the balance of power in Congress.
