House midterm fight intensifies as Democrats eye narrow path to retake chamber

The battle for control of the House has moved into the summer campaign stretch after House leaders adjourned one of the most contentious sessions in recent memory, sending lawmakers home to make their case to voters in a midterm election that will help determine the balance of power for the rest of President Donald Trump’s term. House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries is launching a "100 Days of Action" drive as Democrats try to retake the chamber by arguing Republicans have failed to address high living costs and instead backed policies that raised prices, expanded deportations, cut health care and food aid, and deepened the conflict with Iran. Jeffries said a Democratic majority would act as a check on Trump and "hold the crooks accountable," including scrutiny of the Trump family’s business dealings. Republicans, led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, are campaigning on what they describe as a productive legislative record and a partnership with the White House. Johnson said Republicans would "run through the tape" and insisted the party can hold and expand its majority. Freshman Republican Rep. Brandon Gill pointed to tax cuts, more than $100 billion for border security, repeal of "half the Green New Deal" and what he called the biggest mandatory spending reform in history. The map remains exceptionally tight. All 435 House seats are up this fall, but analysts view fewer than 20 as genuine toss-ups, leaving control of the chamber likely to hinge on a small set of districts. The stakes are high: a continued GOP majority could pursue deeper budget cuts, while a Democratic takeover would be expected to open broad oversight and investigations into the Trump administration. The contest is unfolding against the usual historical headwind for the president’s party in midterms, even as Republicans seek to counter that pattern with fundraising, Trump’s support and a narrow battleground map.