United States of America

House of Representatives

Political system
Presidential system
Structure of parliament
Bicameral
IPU membership
No

Election results

Data on parliamentary elections, including the background, candidates, voter turnout, results and the formation of the new legislature. By default the latest election results are displayed. Select a date to view results from previous elections.

Background

Election date(s)
06 Nov 2016
Date of dissolution of the outgoing legislature
No information available
Timing of election
Upon normal expiry
Number of seats at stake
435
Scope of elections
Full renewal

Candidates

Number of parties contesting the election
2

Notes: Number of parties contesting the election: Only two parties, the Democrats and Republicans, fielded Congressional candidates in all 50 US states and the territories.

The number of candidates is not available from authoritative sources.
Yes
Number of female candidates
-

Notes: 167 women won party primary.

The number of women candidates is not available from authoritative sources.
Yes

Results

About the election

The Republicans retained the control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, albeit with a reduced majority. Mr. Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, defeated Ms. Hillary Clinton of the Democratic Party to become President of the United States (see note).

The presidential election campaign pushed congressional elections to the background. Mr. Trump, a wealthy businessman, pledged to "Make America Great Again". He promised to create more jobs, tighten US borders and renegotiate free trade deals. Ms. Clinton promised reforms that would give unauthorised immigrants a path to full citizenship. Mr. Trump also promised to "repeal and replace" Obamacare (the federal health insurance system introduced under the Obama Administration in 2010). Ms. Clinton praised Obamacare but promised to block unreasonable premium increases.

Note:

An American president is chosen by a group of electors known as the electoral college, which currently comprises 538 people. On election day, Americans cast votes for electors. In 2016, candidates needed to win 270 to be elected President. Mr. Trump won 306 electors against Ms. Clinton's 232, although Ms. Clinton won the popular vote.

Number of parties winning seats
2
Percentage of parties winning seats
100.0%
Percentage of seats won by largest party or coalition
55.4%
Alternation of power after elections
Yes
Number of parties in government
1
Names of parties in government
Republican Party

Parties or coalitions winning seats

Parties or coalitions winning seats
Political group Total
Republican Party 241
Democratic Party 194
Members elected, by sex
Number of men elected
352
Number of women elected
83

Notes:

In addition, there are five women among the six non-voting members.

Percentage of women elected
19.1%
Sources

US Congressional Research Service Library of Congress (14.11.2016, 19.11.2016, 24.01.2017, 01.03.2017, 12.04.2017, 07.06.2017, 26.06.2017, 03.07.2017, 13.11.2017, 03.01.2018; 16.01.2018, 03.05.2018)

Office of the Clerk - House of Representatives

Federal Election Commission

Center for American Women and Politics

CNN

Financial Times

New legislature

First-term parliamentarians
63
Percentage of first-term parliamentarians
No information available
Date of the first session
03 Jan 2017

First Speaker of the new legislature

Personal details for the first Speaker of the new legislature
Paul D. Ryan (Male)
Date of birth: 1970
Political party
Republican Party
Date of election
03 Jan 2017

Historical data for IPU membership

Historical data for IPU membership
Year IPU membership
2020-09
List of values for 2020-09
No
2019-04
List of values for 2019-04
No
2018-06
List of values for 2018-06
No