Now that the final House race has been called, it’s official: Republicans will have a 220-215 majority — one seat smaller than their current 221-214 majority.
That margin will be even smaller for the first few months of the new year, thanks to three vacant seats. With the GOP effectively holding 217 seats to Democrats’ 215, a single defection could prevent House Republicans from passing bills. Any one member has the power to block House Republicans’ agenda, making it even more important to track the GOP members who might break with their party.
On the right, the Freedom Caucus includes the conservative firebrands who’ve been a thorn in the side of the House Republican leadership. And toward the center, the Main Street Caucus and the Republican Governance Group (the center-right caucus known as the “Tuesday Group” prior to 2020) include members like Reps. Don Bacon and Brian Fitzpatrick, who represent Harris-won seats and might be tempted to vote with Democrats on certain issues.
Within the incoming freshman class, the Main Street Republicans outnumber the Freedom Caucus Republicans — though that’s
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The Cook Political Report is an independent, non-partisan newsletter that analyzes elections and campaigns for the US House of Representatives, US Senate, Governors and President as well as American political trends.
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