Trump administration picks may limit House majority

(NewsNation) — The GOP has resumed control over the House, which added to the list of political wins for Republicans. However, that could change depending on the president-elect’s administration picks.

Almost a full week after Election Day, NewsNation’s partners at Decision Desk HQ made a pair of critical calls in House races, officially declaring Republican Gabe Evans the winner in Colorado’s 8th District. Just hours later, the race for Arizona’s 6th District was called in favor of incumbent Rep. Juan Ciscomani.

Those two race wins for Republicans were enough for the party to claim the House majority and complete control of the federal government — at least for now.

Trump’s cabinet could impact majority

As it stands right now, at least three of President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet picks impact the GOP majority in the Senate and in the House.

Trump’s choices of Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., as secretary of state, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., as UN ambassador and Rep. Mike Waltz, R-Fla., for national security advisor will leave immediate openings on Capitol Hill for Republicans.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis would appoint a replacement for Rubio until a special election can be held during the 2026 midterms.

However, voters will elect replacements for Stefanik and Waltz.

Americans should not expect a dramatic change in the balance of power with both lawmakers having handily won re-election. Stefanik won by nearly 25% and Waltz won by more than 30%.

The timing of these appointments and when their replacements get sworn in could mean a slimmer majority in the House for Republicans, which could make it tough for the House speaker to navigate between meeting demands from moderates and hardliners.

Race for leadership roles in Congress

Plus, there’s been some rumblings about a potential challenge to House Speaker Mike Johnson. However, the race getting the most attention right now involves the next Senate majority leader.

For the first time in nearly two decades, Sen. Mitch McConnell is stepping down from the role.

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla.; Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas; and Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., are all vying for the position.

Florida Rep. Byron Donalds told NewsNation why he believes Scott is the best candidate for the role.

“He’s going to work tenaciously every single day, use every piece of the rule structure here in the Senate to accomplish an agenda for the American people. That matters more than any one senator or any one member of Congress to be frank with you. Number two, look, no disrespect to the two Johns, but they’ve been at this for quite some time. We might need some fresh blood here in the senate to lead the senate forward,” Donalds said.

Trump has not endorsed a candidate for Senate majority leader yet, but that could change.