Republicans Stumble Into the New Year

Punchbowl News: “Election years are supposed to be predictable, filled with partisan messaging votes to divide the minority and bolster the majority’s political standing.”

“But nine days into the new year, Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune have been plunged into a series of uncomfortable — and in some cases, intractable — political problems. If this is the way 2026 is going to go, it could be a very long year for the GOP, especially the razor-thin House Republican majority.”

“And President Donald Trump is at the center of several of these Republican crises.”