More than three weeks after Election Day, one House race remains uncalled, leaving Republicans with a slim majority as they prepare to navigate a contentious new Congress. The delayed result, centered in California’s 13th Congressional District, will determine the final configuration of the House, where Republicans currently hold 220 seats compared to Democrats’ 214.

California’s 13th District: A Photo Finish

The uncalled race in California’s 13th District highlights the state’s notoriously slow ballot-counting process, exacerbated by its reliance on mail-in voting. Democrat Adam Gray leads Republican incumbent John Duarte by a razor-thin margin of 182 votes in a district that includes Fresno, Merced, and Modesto.

Gray’s campaign manager, Ben Rodriguez, called the race a “photo finish” and emphasized the importance of ensuring every ballot is counted. Duarte echoed similar sentiments, stating his optimism about voter support in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties, key areas within the district.

In California, recounts are not automatic and must be requested and financed by the party or individual filing the request. With the state’s election certification deadline set for December 5, any recount decision will likely be made in the coming days.

Other Close Races Finally Called

Two additional House races concluded this week, solidifying wins for both Republican and Democratic candidates in critical districts.

Iowa’s 1st District: Miller-Meeks Narrowly Holds Seat

Republican Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks, no stranger to tight contests, was declared the winner in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District after a recount. Her victory over Democrat Christina Bohannan was secured by fewer than 1,000 votes, a narrower margin than her previous seven-point win in 2022.

“I’m honored to continue serving the people of Iowa and working to address pressing issues like reducing prices and supporting our farmers,” Miller-Meeks said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter. Bohannan, despite her loss, commended her campaign’s efforts in transforming the district into one of the nation’s closest contests.

California’s 45th District: Michelle Steel Concedes

Republican Michelle Steel conceded to Democratic challenger Derek Tran in California’s 45th District, where Tran maintained a 613-vote lead. The district spans parts of Orange County and Los Angeles County, reflecting California’s shifting political dynamics.

Steel expressed gratitude for her time in Congress, saying, “This great country offered me opportunities to achieve the American Dream, and I am forever thankful.”

Tran celebrated his historic win, highlighting his journey as the child of refugees to becoming a member of Congress. “This victory belongs to the people of #CA45 who believed in change and progress,” Tran said on X.

A Slim GOP Majority: Challenges Ahead

With Republicans holding a slim majority, House Speaker Mike Johnson faces the daunting task of unifying his party’s factions, from staunch Trump allies to moderates in swing districts. The GOP majority is further threatened by potential vacancies, as two Republican representatives are expected to leave for Cabinet positions in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.

The outcome of the California race will determine how much flexibility Johnson has when navigating key legislation in the next Congress.