In a recent op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announced his plans to leave Congress by the end of this month. This comes after McCarthy was ousted from the speakership two months ago. The announcement has left House Republicans concerned about their diminishing majority as they approach the new year.
With the expulsion of scandal-plagued Rep. George Santos, House Republicans are now operating on razor-thin margins. They will only be able to afford losing three votes on any legislation without Democratic support for the first few weeks of the new year. The situation is expected to change once special elections bring in new members, potentially altering the margins once again.
The departure of McCarthy and the expulsion of Santos have raised concerns among House Republicans. Rep. Mike Garcia of California expressed his worry, stating, “Between God, gravity, indictments, and retirements, we’re one day away from losing the majority depending on what happens.” GOP Conference Vice Chair Blake Moore argued that the current situation is not much different from operating with a four-seat or two-seat majority, emphasizing the need for judicious decision-making that garners support from all members.
However, others, like Rep. Russell Fry of South Carolina, echoed Garcia’s concerns, emphasizing the significant impact of any single member’s absence when the House is in session. Absences due to illness or injury can make the whip’s job more challenging, especially with a narrower majority.
To replace Santos, a special election will take place in mid-February, while California Governor Gavin Newsom must set a date for an election to replace McCarthy. This means that House Republicans are likely to continue operating with slim margins until their January 19 deadline for funding part of the government.
Conservatives within the party, such as Rep. Keith Self of Texas, are urging GOP leaders to resist making concessions to Democrats in order to pass legislation until the composition of the House changes. House Speaker Mike Johnson will face the challenge of navigating a three-seat majority at the beginning of next year.
Overall, House Republicans are facing significant challenges as they grapple with a slim majority. The departure of McCarthy, the expulsion of Santos, and the impending special elections have heightened concerns about maintaining unity and effectively governing with such narrow margins. It remains to be seen how House Republicans will navigate these challenges and whether they will be able to maintain their majority in the face of potential adversities.
Elizabeth Elkind is a reporter for Digital, focusing on Congress and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics. She has previously written for the Daily Mail and CBS News. For the latest updates on the 2024 campaign trail and exclusive interviews, subscribe to her newsletter. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected].
