Democrats Secure Key Wins as House Leaders Position Themselves for Majority

UPDATE - follow-up to Democrats prepare to take Congress as GOP grapples with stunning losses: Democratic Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez secured a third term in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District, a seat President Trump has carried three times. Gluesenkamp Perez defeated Republican state Sen. John Braun, who had Trump’s endorsement but broke with the president on tariffs, the Iran war and the 2020 election outcome.

House Leadership

Colorado Rep. Joe Neguse announced his candidacy for assistant speaker once Democrats assume the House in January, promising to improve member services and back Speaker Jeffries. A leadership tussle looms as Rep. Ted Lieu of California also eyes the No. 4 slot; sources say the current minority hierarchy – Lieu as No. 4 and Neguse as No. 5 – will likely stay unchanged.

Senate and State Updates

Sen‑elect Annie Andrews said she will speak further with Republican Sen. Tim Scott after a brief call, emphasizing a productive working relationship despite past name‑calling. Progressive Democrat Nithya Raman unseated Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass in the city’s mayoral race. Attorney General Todd Blanche accepted the resignation of Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, who led the DOJ Civil Rights Division through a staff exodus exceeding 75 % and a shift in priorities.

Campaign Controversies

Trump plans to attend the Army‑Navy game at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 12, joining a crowd of troops and veterans. House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark launched a bid for majority leader, pledging affordability and a broader role for rank‑and‑file members; she would be the first woman in the post if elected.

Context

These updates come as Democrats prepare to control both chambers of Congress after a sweeping midterm, while Republicans regroup on leadership and messaging after significant losses.