Democrats must win 57 out of 77 competitive House seats to take majority: Cook Political Report

Published July 29, 2026 1:24pm ET



Democrats’ path to retaking the House in November has significantly slimmed as a result of the mid-decade redistricting war this cycle, a new analysis found. 

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report found that under the newly drawn maps across 10 states, the number of “competitive” swing seats has dropped from 87 to 77. For Democrats to win control of the House, the party would need to win at least 57 of the 77 seats. 

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