Democrats take control of Congress in midterm elections
Democrats rode a historic “blue tsunami” generated by strong voter frustration regarding the status quo in Washington, D.C., to capture majorities in the House and the Senate for the 120th Congress, which will convene in early January. Democrats took the political fight deep into formerly Republican territory, winning numerous states and congressional districts that President Donald Trump carried by double digits in 2024. This reversal is the most dominant midterm election performance since 1974, when Democrats made huge gains in the wake of the Watergate scandal.
In the Senate, Democrats picked up at least seven seats (Iowa, Kansas, Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas), providing for at least a 54-46 majority in the new Congress. In addition, two Senate races still are not finalized: In Alaska, Democratic challenger Mary Peltola leads incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan by 48.2% to 47.9%, and in deep red Mississippi, Democrat Scott Colom holds a razor-thin lead over incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith, so Democrats could extend their majority to 55 or 56 seats with victories in these races.
In the House, Democrats won at least 247 seats compared with at least 152 for Republicans, with 36 races still too close to call. Depending on how the remaining races are decided, Democrats are expected to have a majority of between 250 to 260 seats, which likely will be the largest majority since 2009. House Republican incumbents saw significant losses in states such as Iowa, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin.
With majority control of both chambers in the 120th Congress, Democrats will be in position to pursue much of their legislative agenda and exercise aggressive oversight of the Trump administration. This agenda will attempt to address the key issues driving voters on election day, which include the rising cost of living; the war in Iran and its economic effects; concern regarding excessive immigration enforcement and the rapid expansion of data centers. Of course, the president will have the power to veto any bills approved by Congress, which would require two-thirds of Congress to override. Also, it will take 60 votes to pass most legislation in the Senate, so some degree of bipartisan support will be needed to avoid gridlock.
NRCA will continue examining the election results and subsequent seismic shift in the balance of power in Washington, D.C., and assess the new political landscape for key policy issues affecting the roofing industry in 2027.
Save the Date: Roofing Day in D.C. is April 6-7, 2027
Mark your calendars for Roofing Day in D.C. 2027, which is set for April 6-7 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill, a new host hotel for the event. Join colleagues from all sectors of the roofing industry, including contractors, distributors, manufacturers and other professionals from throughout the U.S. as we come together to make our voices heard by lawmakers in Congress. This will be a critical time as the newly elected 120th Congress will be gearing up to consider several key legislative issues important to the roofing industry.
Roofing Day in D.C. is the roofing industry’s premier advocacy event and a great opportunity to build relationships with policymakers, share the challenges and priorities facing our industry, and help shape policies that support roofing businesses and the industry’s workforce. More details—including featured speakers, registration and other event information—will be announced soon. View more information and photos from past events.
EEOC rescinds enforcement guidance regarding arrest and conviction records
On Oct. 28, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission voted to rescind its Enforcement Guidance on the Consideration of Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Decisions under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The guidance being revoked originally was issued in 2012 and intended to discourage employers from considering the arrest and conviction records of prospective employees when making hiring decisions. According to an EEOC press release, the “rescission does not restore policy statements superseded by the 2012 Guidance, nor does it require employers to abandon any lawful practices they may have adopted in response it.” The EEOC also “reaffirms the agency’s commitment to enforce Title VII consistent with the Constitution and the limits Congress placed on the EEOC’s authority.” The agency’s rescission of this enforcement guidance is effective immediately.
ROOFPAC event at next week’s Fall Committee Meetings in Nashville, Tenn.
Join your roofing colleagues for a lively evening of cocktails, networking and community in support of ROOFPAC, the roofing industry’s voice in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery in Nashville. Enjoy an expert-led tasting with your friends while supporting the future of the roofing industry ($175 per person/$275 per couple). Members of NRCA’s Political Insiders Council and Capitol Hill Club, along with their guests, receive complimentary admission. Special thanks to our sponsor, Amrize—whose portfolio includes Elevate Commercial Roofing Systems, Gen-Flex, Duro-Last, Enverge, Gaco and Malarkey—for helping make this event possible.
To register, please visit www.nrca.net/roofpac-fall-event. For any questions or to secure the couples’ rate, contact Teri Dorn at (202) 510-0920 or tdorn@nrca.net.
