GOP gains 10 seats, predicts RNC chair

Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Joe Gruters predicted Sunday that Republicans will hold onto their majorities in the U.S. House and Senate after this fall’s midterm elections. Speaking on ABC’s *This Week*, Gruters forecast that the GOP would pick up at least 10 of the 18 competitive seats currently listed as toss-ups by the Cook Political Report. “We start at 212 likely seats,” he said. “We need six. I bet you we win 10.”

The prediction comes as Democrats face an uphill battle to defend their narrow congressional majorities amid low approval ratings for President Joe Biden and economic concerns. Republicans currently hold a 222-213 majority in the House, with one vacancy, and a 51-49 edge in the Senate. Historically, the president’s party loses seats in midterm elections, and polling suggests voters are frustrated with inflation and border security. Gruters argued that the GOP’s message on these issues is resonating with voters, setting the stage for gains in November.

Recent special elections have also favored Republicans, including a surprise victory in New York’s 3rd District, where Democrat Tom Suozzi lost to Republican George Santos in February. That race underscored Democratic vulnerabilities in suburban swing districts. Meanwhile, Senate races in battleground states like Arizona, Nevada, and Pennsylvania remain highly competitive, with Democrats defending seats in states Trump won in 2020. The GOP’s success in these contests could determine whether they expand their Senate majority or fall short.

If Gruters’ forecast holds, Republicans would gain more than enough seats to secure control in both chambers. That would give the GOP a stronger hand in blocking Biden’s agenda and shaping investigations into his administration. It could also shift the balance of power in Congress ahead of the 2024 presidential race, where control of legislative committees would influence investigations into potential candidates. The midterms, once seen as a referendum on Biden, now appear to be tightening into a toss-up—with Republicans increasingly confident in their chances.