2024 US congressional races: what to expect and how China plays a role

Along with exercising their choice for US president on November 5, American voters will cast their ballots for members of the US Senate and House of Representatives.

In recent years, the US Congress has taken an increasingly active role in shaping the country’s China policy. As a separate branch of government, Congress drafts laws, approves budgets and conducts oversight of the executive branch’s activities.

The political party in control of a congressional chamber sets its legislative and oversight agenda. Bills must clear both chambers before they can become law.

As happens every two years, all 435 House seats are up for grabs. At present, the Republicans hold a 220-212 edge over the Democrats, with three seats vacant.

Democrats need to flip four seats and reclaim two of the three vacant seats to reach the 218 seats required for control of the House, while Republicans hope to expand their narrow majority.

Republicans appear poised to take control of the US Senate, which Democrats now hold with 51 seats. Photo: AFP

According to the Cook Political Report, which analyses US political races, the House has 192 solid or likely Democratic seats and 201 that are solid or likely going to the Republicans.

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