America has voted. While ballot counting still continues in some of the closer races, Democrats are poised to take control of both the House and Senate when the new Congress convenes in January. An estimated 124.3 million people voted nationwide, or 49.42% of eligible U.S. voters, which is the second highest voter turnout for a mid-term election since 1914.

Overview of where things stand

Senate: Democrats 54, Republicans 44. Democrats flipped seats in Maine, North Carolina, Ohio, Iowa, Kansas, South Carolina, Texas. Two seats remain uncalled in Alaska and Mississippi, both currently Republican held. The final Democrat majority lands between 54 and 56.

House: Projections put the final Democrat majority somewhere in the 250-260s, leaving the Republicans with only 175-185 seats. This could be the largest majority in the House since 1992, giving Democrats a 65-75 seat majority, 32 more than needed to secure a 218 majority on any vote. Votes are still being counted in roughly three dozen House races across twelve states, including Maine’s 2nd District and four New York seats.

Leadership: U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-8) is positioned for Speaker of the House. Senator Chuck Schumer, also of New York, is favored for Senate Majority Leader, with a vote expected in early December. House Republican leadership votes are set to occur next week, with U.S. Rep. Steve Scalese (R-LA-1) seen as a front runner for Minority Leader, although he has drawn some challenges. Senate Republican leadership votes are TBD.

The races worth knowing

In Maine, Democrat Troy Jackson defeated Senator Susan Collins. Senator Collins has been one of the most reliable champions for our industry, especially on issues such as NORA, safeguarding LIHEAP, and reducing regulatory burdens on NEFI members. Her departure is a significant loss for us all. Democrats held New Hampshire, where U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas won his bid to succeed Senator Jeanne Shaheen.

Both uncalled Senate races are close enough to decide the size of the majority. In Alaska, former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat, is neck and neck with incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, with nearly a quarter of the vote still uncounted. As a side note, that state uses ranked choice voting, and those results will not be published until November 18. In Mississippi, Democrat Scott Colom leads incumbent Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith by roughly 1,100 votes with counties certifying by November 13.

The clearest Northeast shifts in the U.S. House of Representatives came in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where Democrats flipped Pennsylvania’s 1st, 7th, 8th and 10th Districts and New Jersey’s 7th.

What this means for NEFI

The Government Affairs Committee will meet next week to discuss the election outcome and impacts on NEFI’s policy agenda. It is important to restate, however, that NEFI will continue to advocate for its members no matter who is in charge of Congress. "We at NEFI will work with anyone willing to work with us in pursuit of policies that benefit our members and protect the interests of their businesses, their workforce, and, most importantly, their customers," said NEFI President & CEO Jim Collura.

Exit polls show 87 percent of voters concerned about fuel prices and 86 percent concerned about higher utility costs.

"Affordability was the centerpiece of the Democrats’ overall campaign, and the new majorities have pledged to spend the next two years working to show the American people they can deliver on that," Collura said. "No one understands energy affordability better than the independent, often family-owned businesses that keep American homes warm and safe each winter. NEFI intends to make sure the new Congress hears from them, and that the solutions it pursues lower costs for consumers rather than add to them."

The White House also remains a check on what actually becomes law. Speaking on election night, President Trump pointed directly to that authority. "It’s one of the stronger powers that a president has," he said, adding that if Democrats "send over things that are insane… I’ll veto them."

How You Can Support Us

If your business is not a NEFI member, please join. Our dues are affordable and with a new Congress taking shape, NEFI’s advocacy in Washington, in partnership with our state associations, has never been more important. Membership strengthens our industry’s voice on the issues that affect your business, and our member programs offer real cost savings that can pay for your dues many times over. Visit www.nefi.com/join to learn more.

If you are already a member, please contribute generously to our National Advocacy Fund. Because dues are not used for lobbying, our federal advocacy is funded entirely through these voluntary contributions. We recognize this is a challenging time, but the decisions made in the months ahead will affect your business, your employees, and your customers for years to come. Putting NEFI in a strong position as the new Congress begins is vital. If you have already given, thank you.

To review a list of current supporters, or to access an online or downloadable contribution form, visit www.nefi.com/donate.