The 2024 congressional races are as crucial as the presidential election, as control of the House and Senate will significantly shape the next administration’s power and policy direction.

With less than a week remaining until Americans head to the polls, public attention naturally gravitates toward the presidential election. Yet, while the White House race may dominate the headlines, the battle for Congress deserves an equally sharp focus. Congressional control, particularly in the House of Representatives, could play a pivotal role in reshaping the next administration’s agenda and the country’s future trajectory.

The House race is fiercely competitive this cycle. All 435 seats are in contention, and the current Republican majority is razor-thin, allowing Republicans substantial influence over the legislative agenda. According to FiveThirtyEight’s projections, Republicans hold a slight edge, but the margins are so narrow that a shift in the final days could tip the balance. Historically, the winning party in the presidential race often claims the House as well, making this an especially tight and uncertain contest.

The Senate, too, is poised for a high-stakes showdown. Democrats cling to a precarious majority, giving them a foothold in Senate policy decisions. Yet this control could crumble under the weight of several close races. Joe Manchin’s decision to retire leaves his West Virginia seat vulnerable to a Republican takeover. Similarly, Democratic Senators Sherrod Brown in Ohio and Jon Tester in Montana face formidable Republican opposition, as does Michigan’s Elissa Slotkin, who unexpectedly finds herself in a close race against GOP candidate Mike Rogers. With high-profile battles also brewing in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, Democrats are under intense pressure to hold these seats to maintain even a narrow grip on the Senate.

The Democrats’ struggle is not limited to this election cycle. The Senate’s structural dynamics increasingly favor Republicans as rural areas shift more decisively to the right, intensifying the GOP’s hold on this chamber. This geographic polarization has embedded a Republican advantage in Senate contests, suggesting that, barring a significant political shift, Democrats may face a protracted uphill battle for Senate control.

As Americans look ahead to 2025, the outcome of both the presidential and congressional races could yield vastly different political landscapes. Democratic contender Kamala Harris could secure the presidency, potentially backed by a Democratic House but restrained by a Republican Senate. Alternatively, Republican Donald Trump may return to the White House with full Republican control in Congress—or perhaps encounter a split Congress with a Democratic House, presenting distinct challenges.

While unlikely, there remains the possibility that Harris could win the presidency with a Democrat-controlled Congress. Each of these scenarios underscores the complex power dynamic between the executive and legislative branches, where control of Congress will profoundly shape the next administration’s ambitions and limitations.

For the president, securing support from both chambers often translates to a freer hand in pushing forward their legislative vision. With Congress aligned, the president typically encounters minimal resistance in shaping policies and wielding federal authority. Conversely, a president facing opposition control in Congress may find their agenda stymied, relying heavily on executive actions while enduring scrutiny and criticism. A split Congress, while demanding negotiation, can occasionally offer flexibility, though success in this scenario depends on the political will for compromise on both sides.

The stakes in this year’s elections extend beyond the United States, with significant implications for the global economy and foreign policy. As the world watches, the combined outcome of the presidential and congressional races will determine the scope of power the next president wields, setting the tone for America’s engagement at home and abroad in the coming years.