Republicans appear to be on the cusp of taking control of the US House of Representatives, a key factor for President-elect Donald Trump when he returns to the White House in January.

While votes are still being counted after the Nov. 5 general election, Republicans have so far won 212 of the 435 seats in the House of Representatives, according to Edison Research projections.

Republicans need six more terms to retain control of the House of Representatives, and are certain to take control of the Senate, which is held by Democrats.

With Trump's victory in the presidential election and Republican control of the Senate already certain, a majority in the House of Representatives would make it easier to implement plans to cut taxes and spending, energy deregulation and border security.

Results are not yet known from 19 districts located in western states where the pace of vote counting is slower than in the rest of the country. Ten seats are currently held by Republicans and nine by Democrats.