Summary
The death of Representative Doug LaMalfa, a Republican from California, reduces the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives to five seats. This narrow majority makes it challenging for House Speaker Mike Johnson and the GOP to pass legislation, as even a small number of votes against can block bills. Upcoming special elections might further impact this slim majority.
Key Facts
- Representative Doug LaMalfa, a California Republican, has passed away.
- Republicans now hold 218 seats, while Democrats have 213 seats in the House.
- The Republican majority in the House is now only five seats.
- Special elections in Texas and New Jersey could give Democrats two more seats.
- These developments add pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson to manage the GOP's limited majority.
- The Republicans' slim margin means any defecting votes could stop legislation.
- Other Republicans, like Representative Jim Baird, have faced health issues, impacting voting presence.
- Political experts warn that the majority could quickly shift to Democrats.
