The Perils of a Narrow House Majority

Wall Street Journal: “Resignations are typical in any Congress, and at least one House lawmaker has died during every two-year legislative session of Congress during the past two decades.”

“In 2022 alone, Reps. Jim Hagedorn, Don Young and Jackie Walorski died in office. Six other House members resigned, including to take other politically appointed positions. Since 1997, 37 House elected lawmakers have died either in or before taking office.”

“In one instance, Republicans won a slim majority of just one seat in the 1930 elections. But before the 72nd Congress could convene, 14 elected members died, according to House archives. Special elections held to replace them flipped the chamber in Democrats’ favor.”