House Republicans are set to retain control of the lower chamber in the upcoming year, solidifying a political trifecta for the party as they will also control the Senate and the presidency starting in January. According to the latest updates from the Associated Press, Republicans currently hold 218 seats, the exact number needed for a majority, while Democrats have 209. There are still eight congressional races pending, with four Democrats and four Republicans leading in those contests, suggesting no significant change in the overall distribution.

Notable developments include a Democratic flip in Oregon's Happy Valley district, where Janelle Bynum defeated incumbent Lori Chavez Grama. Conversely, in Alaska, Republican Nick Begich is leading by four points in a ranked-choice voting scenario, which could complicate the re-election efforts of Democrat Mary Petola.

In another significant discussion, the potential nomination of Matt Gaetz as attorney general has raised eyebrows among lawmakers. Gaetz, a controversial figure, has allies in Congress but also faces skepticism, particularly from Senate Republicans. His recent resignation from Congress has removed some immediate scrutiny, but the House Ethics Committee's investigation into him remains a concern. Senators are divided on how to approach his nomination, with some calling for thorough hearings.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to conduct hearings on Gaetz's nomination, as Republicans hold a slim majority that allows for some dissenting votes. Additionally, there are calls from Democratic senators for the House Ethics Committee to release its report on Gaetz, despite the committee's typical practice of withholding such documents after a resignation. This situation could lead to unprecedented actions, including potential subpoenas for the report, indicating a tumultuous path ahead for Gaetz's nomination and the broader political landscape.