House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) has declared that Republicans have now secured enough seats in the midterms to take control of the U.S. House of Representatives, therefore ending Rep. Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) speakership.
McCarthy, who will likely replace Pelosi as speaker of the House, declared victory early Wednesday.
In a statement, McCarthy announced that the GOP has secured enough seats to flip control of the House from the Democrats.
“I want to thank the millions of supporters across this country,” McCarthy said.
“It is clear we are going to take the House back.”
During a victory party in Washington, D.C., McCarthy told a throng of supporters that the victory was possible because of the diverse array of candidates Republicans had recruited this cycle.
“If you believe in freedom, hard work, and the American dream these results prove there is a place for you in the Republican Party,” said McCarthy.
“We are expanding this party.”
The declaration has come despite control for the House of Representatives yet to be confirmed.
While Republicans had succeeded in ousting vulnerable Democrats, a significant number of House races had yet to be called.
At the time of press, Republicans have secured 199 seats while Democrats have 172.
“Now, let me tell you, you’re out late, but when you wake up tomorrow, we will be in the majority and Nancy Pelosi will be in the minority,” McCarthy said after a long election night at around 2 a.m. ET on Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has refused to concede that the House will flip.
“While many races remain too close to call, it is clear that House Democratic members and candidates are strongly outperforming expectations across the country,” Pelosi said.