House Republican Majority Falls to Bare Minimum After Two Vacancies

A surprise resignation and a sudden death have reduced the House Republican majority to the bare minimum of 218 seats, leaving Speaker Mike Johnson with almost no margin for leading the chamber. After the 2024 elections Republicans held 220 seats to the Democrats' 215 and could afford only two defections.

Following the resignation of Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, Republican of Georgia, and the death of Representative Doug LaMalfa, Republican of California, the current breakdown is 218 Republicans to 213 Democrats — a position that allows Mr. Johnson just two defections on a party-line vote if all members are present.

The edge is expected to shrink further after upcoming special elections. A Texas special to replace Representative Sylvester Turner, a Democrat who died last March, is expected to give Democrats an additional seat, bringing them to 214 and leaving Mr. Johnson able to afford only one defection.

An April 16 special election in New Jersey to fill the seat of Mikie Sherrill, now governor, is expected to remain Democratic, which would set the House at 218 Republicans and 215 Democrats, still a one-vote margin for the G.O.P. The slim majority has practical effects: most major legislation requires a separate rules vote to reach the floor, a tie vote fails under House rules, and attendance will be critical.

Key Topics

Politics, Mike Johnson, House Republicans, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Doug Lamalfa, Special Election