House News & Analysis

Donald Trump, Golden Shepherds, and the 2016 Election

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 2, 2016 · 3:00 PM EST

I missed it. The most important election of my kids’ lifetimes and I missed it. I just didn’t see how the Golden Shepherd would defeat the Monarch Butterfly to become the official mascot of their public elementary school.

All the data pointed to a Monarch victory. A majority of the…

Louisiana Runoffs Shape Republicans on the Hill

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 2, 2016 · 2:59 PM EST

There was a chance the entire nation would descend on Louisiana for a December runoff that would decide control of the Senate. But Republicans’ strong performance on Nov. 8, including holding the majority and electing Donald Trump president, all-but-ended interest in the upcoming runoff in the Bayou State.

But two…

Electoral Fallout from Trump’s Cabinet Selections

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 2, 2016 · 2:58 PM EST

Donald Trump’s election sent shockwaves across the country and in Washington, D.C. Now his cabinet selections are having a ripple effect on Capitol Hill as he plucks Members to fill key slots. 

Some of his staffing decisions are more concrete than others, but here is an initial look at the…

Under Next Electoral Map, Trump Would Still Have Won

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 1, 2016 · 9:00 AM EST

Population trends are working against the Republican Party — at least that’s what we’ve been told.

But a combination of the 2016 presidential results and early looks at reapportionment after the 2020 census shows that the short-term changes may not be as dramatic as once believed.

Fifteen states are likely…

When Orientation Is a ‘Miserable Experience’

by Nathan L. Gonzales November 30, 2016 · 11:08 AM EST

It might sound like fun for Republican Scott Jones and Democrat Doug Applegate to come to Washington and attend new member orientation even though they were trailing in their respective California congressional races.

But one Colorado Democrat still remembers being in that same situation over a dozen years ago, and…

Republican House Majority Lives to Fight Another Day

by Nathan L. Gonzales November 3, 2016 · 3:59 PM EDT

With just a few days before Election Day, there is almost no chance Republicans lose the House majority, and they may even keep their losses to a minimum.

Democrats were always expected to gain seats, considering Republicans hold their largest number of seats in over 80 years. But few GOP…

Democrats Poised for House Gains, But Still Short of Majority

by Nathan L. Gonzales October 21, 2016 · 2:58 PM EDT

With a little more than two weeks before Election Day, Democrats are still waiting for the wave to develop that is probably required to retake the House majority. 

Donald Trump consistently gives Democrats fresh fodder for press releases and campaign ads, but the party has struggled to convince voters that…

It’s Time for Newspapers to Stop Endorsing Candidates

by Nathan L. Gonzales October 19, 2016 · 2:41 PM EDT

Just when editorial boards are coming off the sidelines to endorse in the presidential race, it’s time to do just the opposite.

After 34 years of not endorsing a presidential candidate, USA Today published “Trump is ‘unfit for the presidency’” on Sept. 30. It’s the first time the paper…

Still Waiting for the Wave in the House

by Nathan L. Gonzales October 14, 2016 · 3:28 PM EDT

One of the most remarkable pieces of this year’s elections has been the resiliency of House Republicans while running on the ballot with a polarizing and sometimes offensive presidential nominee in a volatile election cycle. But now everyone is waiting to see if that work was wiped away by the…

GOP House Majority Still Solid…For Now

by Nathan L. Gonzales September 30, 2016 · 3:29 PM EDT

Anytime a party nominates a candidate for president as unpredictable as Donald Trump, down-ballot candidates have reason to be concerned. But with five weeks before Election Day, most congressional Republicans are in surprisingly strong position for re-election, particularly with the volatility of the presidential race.

Democrats are demanding patience, based…