The Associated Press surveys the numbers posted by local election officials and projects the winner using vote returns and other data. Races can be called within minutes of polls closing on election night. However, if a race has tight margins or an expected high volume of mail-in ballots, it can take longer to call.

In one of the most competitive and closely watched Congressional races of this election cycle, Republican Rep. Mike Garcia conceded to Democrat George Whitesides, a political newcomer, on Monday, Nov.

Democrats stood at 204 seats claimed and Republicans were at 213. In order to take control of the House, 218 seats are needed. Early Wednesday morning, Americans learned that former President Donald Trump was elected to serve a second term,

If Republicans keep the House majority, that would give the party control of all three branches of government after the GOP won control of the U.S. Senate and Donald Trump won the presidential election.