House Republicans lost another member after Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., resigned to take his post as President Donald Trump’s national security adviser. The GOP majority in the chamber is now 218-215.
A special election to replace Waltz will occur in April. At the same time, residents of the Florida panhandle will also elect former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s replacement.
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Republicans are on track to lose more members to the Trump administration. Trump nominated Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., to serve as United Nations ambassador. Assuming the Senate votes to confirm her, the GOP can only lose one vote to pass legislation without Democratic support.
Stefanik has not yet resigned, but once she does, New York law states a special election must take place within three months.
Each departing member comes from safe Republican districts. Their seats will likely remain in Republican hands after the special elections.
The shrinking Republican majority could significantly impact the passage of key pieces of legislation. That includes the government spending bill, which needs approval by March, and also a budget reconciliation package that Republicans want signed into law by Memorial Day, which falls on May 26.
Even with Waltz and Stefanik, passage was not guaranteed. Their departures will make it necessary to bring forward a bill that can draw some Democratic support to make up for conservative fiscal hawks who say they’ll vote against it.
Senate Republicans are also losing members to the Trump administration. However, the constitution allows state governors to appoint replacements before the election, meaning those positions have already been filled.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody will replace Sen. Marco Rubio, R, who is serving as Trump’s secretary of state. Ohio Lt. Gov. John Husted, R, is filling the seat vacated by Vice President JD Vance.
