Although the Democratic Party held onto a slim majority in the House of Representatives after November’s election, it appears increasingly likely that the GOP will take back control of the chamber next year.
Adding to the bad news for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and others in her party are the retirement announcements from two more veteran House Democrats.
“Fracture among the caucuses”
According to The New York Times, Reps. Mike Doyle (D-PA) and David Price (D-NC) have recently joined 11 other Democratic lawmakers in announcing that they will not seek re-election in the upcoming midterm races. The group also includes influential House Budget Committee chairman John Yarmuth (D-KY).
Some of the legislators have announced their intention to retire while others are seeking other elected offices, such as a Senate seat or governorship.
In its report on the latest development, the Times argued that the trend could represent “the clearest indication yet” that Democrats are on track to lose their majority status on Capitol Hill.
Of course, Price is among those House Democrats ostensibly worried that redistricting would give Republicans an unfair advantage in the upcoming midterms.
“I have a concern that we will have the ability to pull ourselves together and not fracture among the caucuses the way the Republicans have,” he explained.
“These absolute positions emerging”
Other Democrats have also expressed concerns that infighting within the party would further weaken its chances next year.
“That’s the danger I see for our party, these absolute positions emerging,” Doyle added. “It sued to be you fought those fights in caucus, but when the caucus made a majority opinion, you moved forward.”
Democrats are also well aware that historical trends are not on their side, given the fact that the party in power typically loses seats in a midterm election. As President Joe Biden’s approval rating continues to plummet, the chances of Republicans gaining a majority in Congress appear to be rising.
With a razor-thin margin between the two parties as it is, it will not take much for the balance of power to shift back into the GOP’s favor.
An upcoming gubernatorial election in Virginia could provide a glimpse into the trajectory of next year’s congressional races. Recent polls reflect a neck-and-neck race between Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe and Republican Glenn Youngkin.
The post Two more House Dems announce retirement ahead of midterm elections first appeared on Conservative Institute.
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