WASHINGTON — Republican have maintained control of the U.S. House of Representatives for at least two more years, according to the latest network projections.

It was widely predicted that the GOP would keep its majority in the lower chamber, although Democrats play up their chances of winning it back.

But the challenge is likely far from over in the House, as many hardline conservatives clash with more moderate members of their party. House Speaker Paul Ryan faces not only his own re-election battle in his home state of Wisconsin, but he could potentially face an uphill climb to retain his speakership.

Ryan grappled with whether to support Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. The top House Republican did endorse Trump, but refused to defend his most controversial comments, including lewd comments about women that Trump made in 2005, which Access Hollywood recently published.