House Republican leaders are expressing confidence about expanding their majority in the 2024 elections. They believe that former President Donald Trump will be a valuable asset in swing suburban districts that voted for President Joe Biden in the previous election.
Despite a challenging year marked by internal conflicts, including the unprecedented removal of a sitting speaker and difficulties in advancing a legislative agenda, Republicans are now hopeful about their prospects. Factors contributing to this optimism include the outcome of key primaries and redistricting battles in several states, a number of Democratic retirements in swing districts, and Biden’s consistently low approval ratings.
High-ranking Republicans argue that Trump could be instrumental in the fight for the 17 GOP seats in districts that Biden won in 2020. This is despite Trump facing 91 criminal charges and his ongoing struggles with key suburban voters who will play a crucial role in the country’s most critical races.
“Trump is currently popular across the board,” said Rep. Richard Hudson, the North Carolina Republican who chairs the House GOP’s campaign arm. “He has triumphed in every battleground state. I believe the turnout models in a presidential election year will be different for us, attracting many voters who typically don’t participate in the midterms. I see this as a net positive.”
Hudson also suggested that even a felony conviction for Trump would not impact GOP candidates in swing districts. He added that he would encourage these candidates to campaign with Trump.
Democrats, however, are not concerned by the Republicans’ strategy. “Many of them have already endorsed Trump, and we will continue to hold them accountable for their extremism,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene of Washington state, the chairwoman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
While some Republicans in swing districts have pledged their support for Trump, others have not. Freshman Rep. Mike Lawler, who represents a suburban New York district, emphasized that the decision ultimately lies with the American people.
Despite the limited number of House districts truly at play in the 2024 elections due to gerrymandering, both parties have their sights set on key districts. Republicans, who currently hold a 219-213 majority, have identified their top targets, while Democrats are focusing on the 17 Biden districts.
As the 2024 elections approach, both parties are strategizing and launching campaigns to secure their positions. The Republicans are focusing on immigration and crime, while the Democrats are highlighting the Republicans’ lack of governance. The political landscape continues to shift, and the outcome of the 2024 elections remains to be seen.
Contributors: Melanie Zanona and Christine Park, CNN