House Party Ratios

 Last week, Reps. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) and Eric Swalwell (D-CA) resigned to avoid votes to expel them from Congress based on allegations of sexual misconduct.  California Governor Newsom called a special election on August 18 to fill the vacancy resulting from Swalwell’s departure.  That seat is expected to remain in Democratic control.  Texas law gives its governor broad discretion over when to call a special election to fill a House vacancy.  Governor Abbott could set the date as early as May 2, or he could delay the election until the date of the mid-terms.  There is some concern that the Texas seat could flip to Democratic control.

  Also last week, Democrat Analila Mejia was elected in a special election to fill the New Jersey House seat held by Mickie Sherril (D) before her election as Governor last November.  Once Mejia is sworn in, party ratios will be 218 Republicans to 214 Democrats, and Republicans will revert to a one-vote majority.