Hello, Subpoenas: Democrats Seize House as Republicans Hold Senate

Democratic wins will bring more oversight of President Trump

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Republicans kept control of the Senate in Tuesday’s elections, but Democrats seized control of the House — and with that victory, subpoena power that will allow them to vigorously investigate Donald Trump for the first time in his presidency.

Subpoena power will enable Democrats to press Trump on many fronts, including whether his campaign colluded with Russia on election meddling, and even his long-sought tax returns.

Democratic activists have floated the idea of initiating impeachment proceedings — but Nancy Pelosi has shot down the idea. She is expected to retake her place as Speaker of the House, and supporters chanted “Speaker! Speaker!” as she addressed Democrats Tuesday night.

“Today is more than about Democrats and Republicans,” she told reporters. “It’s about restoring the Constitution’s checks and balances to the Trump Administration.”

Trump projected confidence as the results rolled in, tweeting late Tuesday: “Tremendous success tonight. Thank you to all!”

Republicans’ control of the Senate will likely mean any attempt at impeachment would be a non-starter. And the Republican Senate control will provide Trump more  protection from Congressional oversight.

Tuesday’s election was a mixed-bag for both parties. Democrat Beto O’Rourke, a Hollywood favorite, couldn’t fulfill liberal dreams of capturing Republican Ted Cruz’s Senate seat in reliably red Texas. And Democrat Stacey Abrams, who gained massive Hollywood support for her run for Georgia governor, appeared unlikely to beat Republican Brian Kemp.

But in a massive moment in LGBTQ history, Democrat Jared Polis won the Colorado governorship to become the first openly gay governor in the United States.

As expected, Democrat Gavin Newsom won the California governor’s race.

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