Dem flips key House seat, chipping away at GOP majority



Democratic challenger Derek Tran unseated Republican incumbent Rep. Michelle Steel in California's 45th congressional district on Thursday, narrowing the GOP's already slim House majority.

Tran defeated Steel by fewer than 600 votes, making this one of the closest House races in the 2024 election cycle. Republicans now hold 220 seats while Democrats have 214 seats.

California's 45th congressional district was also one of 19 House districts that President Joe Biden won in 2020 and that had a Republican incumbent in 2024.

"From the moment I came to the United States, I knew that giving back to the country that welcomed me with open arms would be part of my future," Steel said in a Thursday post on X. "Because of the opportunities offered by this great country, and God’s great blessings, I was able to go to college, start a family, and build my own American Dream."

"I embarked on a mission to assist First Generation Americans, stand up to our adversaries, and defend human rights," Steel continued. "The journey to work on behalf of legal immigrants and struggling families took me somewhere I never could have imagined — and for which I will always be grateful — the United States Congress."

Steel was first elected to serve in California's 45th congressional district in 2022 after the state underwent redistricting, replacing Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, who now represents California's 47th congressional district. Steel also served California's 48th congressional district for one term in 2020 prior to the redistricting.

"I will never stop fighting for you," Steel said.

California's 45th congressional district was also one of 19 House districts that President Joe Biden won in 2020 and that had a Republican incumbent in 2024.

"Just a short while ago, Congresswoman Michelle Steel called me to concede, and I expressed my appreciation to her for her service," Tran said in a Thursday post on X. "I plan to work closely with her office over the next month to ensure a smooth transition and handover of constituent casework, so my team hits the ground running in early January."

"I look forward to once again taking the oath to support and defend our Constitution and beginning this next chapter of public service so we can put people first," Tran continued.

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3 House races that still have not yet been called



Although it has been over three weeks since Election Day, there are three House races that are still up in the air.

Republicans have secured their slim House majority of 219 seats while the Democrats have won 213 seats. While the GOP is expected to hold onto yet another narrow majority, several Republicans have been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to serve in the upcoming administration. With potential House vacancies on the horizon, every race remains crucial for Republicans.

While Republicans have secured a majority in the upcoming 119th Congress, the narrow advantage is shrinking.

In California's 13th congressional district, Republican incumbent Rep. John Duarte is hoping to fend off Democratic challenger and former Rep. Adam Gray. The two candidates are currently less than 200 votes apart, with Gray inching ahead of Duarte.

Gray previously represented California's 13th congressional district from 2012 to 2022 when Duarte unseated the Democrat. Duarte defeated the then-incumbent by just 564 votes, making him the first Republican to win the district since 1974.

The district has historically been held by Democrats, and Gray is still within striking distance of Duarte, making this one of the closest House races to date.

Further south in California's 14th congressional district, Republican incumbent Rep. Michelle Steel is falling behind Democratic challenger Derek Tran. Tran has pulled ahead of Steel with an approximate 600-vote margin.

Steel was first elected to represent California's 45th congressional district in 2022. The seat was previously held for three terms by Democratic Rep. Katie Porter, who has since represented California's 47th congressional district after the state redistricted in 2021.

Although the GOP may have lost its footing in two key California seats, Republican incumbent Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks has held a narrow lead in the race for Iowa's 1st congressional district. Miller-Meeks is roughly 800 votes ahead of Democratic challenger Christina Bohannan, with just 900 votes estimated to be remaining.

Miller-Meeks was first elected to represent Iowa's 1st congressional district in 2022, defeating Bohannan by nearly seven points. Although the race is much closer this time around, Miller-Meeks still has a shot at holding onto her seat.

While Republicans have secured a majority in the upcoming 119th Congress, the narrow advantage is shrinking.

Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida most recently resigned from Congress after Trump nominated him for attorney general. Gaetz later withdrew from his Cabinet bid but reaffirmed that he had no intentions of returning to Congress, leaving the seat vacant.

Fellow Floridian and Republican Rep. Mike Waltz was also tapped by Trump to serve as national security adviser in the upcoming administration. Waltz has confirmed that he intends to resign the day Trump is inaugurated on January 20.

Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York was also recruited by Trump to serve in the next administration as U.N. ambassador. Although she has not yet indicated when she intends to resign, the GOP is anticipating her vacancy.

With the two Florida seats scheduled for special elections on April 1, House Republicans are bracing themselves for an estimated one-seat majority for the first two months of the 119th Congress.

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Trump-endorsed Floridian launches bid to replace Mike Waltz following administration nomination



On Tuesday, Republican state Sen. Randy Fine of Florida announced his bid to replace Republican Rep. Mike Waltz after securing an endorsement from President-elect Donald Trump.

Fine is running to replace Waltz after Trump tapped the outgoing congressman to serve as national security adviser in the upcoming administration. Waltz confirmed Monday that he would resign from his post on Inauguration Day.

'It is my belief that President Trump is our nation's last, best chance to right the ship.'

“I’m proud to announce that I’m going to be running for the 6th Congressional District of the state of Florida,” Fine told Fox News on Tuesday. “Whether it’s fighting inflation to make America affordable again, closing the border to make America safe again, or standing up for Israel and standing up to China, I’m ready to go.”

Trump also endorsed Fine on Monday ahead of his official announcement, noting his allegiance to the MAGA movement.

"A Harvard Educated, Successful Businessman, and Highly Respected State Legislator, Randy has been an incredible Voice for MAGA, and the Great People of Florida," Trump said. "In Congress, Randy will be an INCREDIBLE Fighter who will work tirelessly with me to Stop Inflation, Grow our Economy, Secure the Border, Champion our Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, Protect our always under siege Second Amendment, and Restore PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH."

In response, Fine praised the president-elect and pledged to work alongside him.

"Clearly Mom wasted no time once she made it upstairs," Fine said. "Mr. President, G-d saved you on that day in Butler so that you could save the world. It would be the honor of my life to be one of your footsoldiers."

Fine resigned from his state Senate seat on Tuesday amid his campaign launch, just one month into his term. His resignation will go into effect beginning March 31.

"It is my belief that President Trump is our nation's last, best chance to right the ship," Fine said in his resignation letter. "And with his statement this weekend, he believes I can help. I owe it to those same children that I entered office to serve to join that fight. While I am sorry that my service in the Senate will be abbreviated, it seems that my path will return me to a People's House where I will fight for Floridians under the familiar title of Representative."

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Trump throws his support behind MAGA ally to replace Matt Gaetz



President-elect Donald Trump endorsed Jimmy Patronis, Florida's chief financial officer, to replace former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz after the Florida firebrand resigned his congressional post.

Gaetz resigned from Congress shortly after Trump nominated him for attorney general, sparking a slew of online and media controversy. Less than two weeks later, Gaetz decided to withdraw his bid for attorney general so as not to further distract from the Trump transition team. Gaetz confirmed that he does not intend to return to serve in the 119th Congress, leaving the seat vacant.

As a result, Patronis' name was floated as a potential Gaetz replacement. Patronis, who has long been an ally to Trump, earned his wholehearted endorsement.

"Jimmy Patronis, Chief Financial Officer for the Great State of Florida, has done a tremendous job as CFO, where he also serves as the State's Fire Marshall, and as an important member of the Florida Cabinet," Trump said in a Truth Social post Monday. "I hear that Jimmy is now considering launching a Campaign for Congress in Florida's 1st Congressional District!"

'Should he decide to enter this Race, Jimmy Patronis has my Complete and Total Endorsement.'

Trump pointed to Patronis' political experience as well as local ties to Florida's 1st district, further bolstering the endorsement.

"A fourth generation Floridian from the beautiful Panhandle, and owner of an iconic seafood restaurant, Jimmy has been a wonderful friend to me, and to MAGA," Trump continued. "I hear that As your next Congressman, Jimmy would work tirelessly alongside of me to Grow our Economy, Secure our Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Incredible Military/Vets, Restore American Energy DOMINANCE, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment."

"Should he decide to enter this Race, Jimmy Patronis has my Complete and Total Endorsement," Trump said. "RUN, JIMMY, RUN!"

Patronis responded to Trump in an X post on Monday, seemingly open to the idea of running to replace Gaetz.

"Put me to work, Mr. President!" Patronis said. "I am here to serve."

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Matt Gaetz says he will not return to Congress



Former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida announced Friday that he will not be returning to serve in the 119th Congress.

This announcement came after Gaetz withdrew his bid for attorney general just two weeks after President-elect Donald Trump nominated him for the position, which sparked controversy on Capitol Hill. Although Gaetz is eligible to serve the term to which he was re-elected, he mentioned in his resignation letter that he did not "intend" to return to the House and then confirmed that he will not return on Charlie Kirk's podcast.

“I’m still going to be in the fight, but it’s going to be from a new perch. I do not intend to join the 119th Congress,” Gaetz told Kirk.

Gaetz has spent several days alongside Vice President-elect JD Vance holding meetings with senators ahead of his confirmation. Gaetz withdrew following his time spent on the Senate side, saying his confirmation was "unfairly becoming a distraction" for the Trump transition team.

"There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I'll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General," Gaetz said in a Thursday post on X.

Trump has since nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi for the role.

Republicans now have only a narrow House majority, and the vacancy left by Gaetz has yet to be filled.

"There are a number of fantastic Floridians who’ve stepped up to run for my seat, people who have inspired with their heroism, with their public service," Gaetz told Kirk. "And I’m actually excited to see Northwest Florida go to new heights and have great representation."

Gaetz has not yet announced where he will continue his political career but vowed to remain a close ally to the president-elect.

“I’m going to be fighting for President Trump," Gaetz told Kirk. "I’m going to be doing whatever he asks of me, as I always have. But I think that eight years is probably enough time in the United States Congress.”

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Matt Gaetz withdraws from attorney general bid



Former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida withdrew from his nomination for attorney general less than two weeks after President-elect Trump nominated the Florida firebrand for the position.

Trump's nomination of Gaetz sparked controversy surrounding an unreleased ethics report, solidifying the fact that his confirmation would be an uphill battle. Gaetz has spent the last few days lobbying alongside Vice President-elect JD Vance in an attempt to persuade senators to confirm him.

'There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I'll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General.'

"I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday," Gaetz said in a Thursday post on X. "I appreciate their thoughtful feedback - and the incredible support of so many."

"While the momentum was strong, it is clear that my confirmation was unfairly becoming a distraction to the crucial work of the Trump/Vance Transition," Gaetz continued. "There is no time to waste on a needlessly protracted Washington scuffle, thus I'll be withdrawing my name from consideration to serve as Attorney General."

Republicans hold a slim majority of 53 seats in the Senate. As a result, Gaetz and other nominees would be able to lose only three GOP votes, assuming that Vance would also be voting.

"Trump's DOJ must be in place and ready on Day 1," Gaetz continued. "I remain fully committed to see that Donald J. Trump is the most successful President in history. I will forever be honored that President Trump nominated me to lead the Department of Justice and I'm certain he will Save America."

Gaetz resigned from his position in the House following the nomination, leaving a vacancy for Florida's 1st Congressional District seat for the remaining and the upcoming term.

"I greatly appreciate the recent efforts of Matt Gaetz in seeking approval to be Attorney General," Trump said in a statement Thursday. "He was doing very well but, at the same time, did not want to be a distraction for the Administration, for which he has much respect. Matt has a wonderful future, and I look forward to watching all of the great things he will do!"

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Exclusive: DoD ‘Intentionally Delayed’ National Guard Deployment To The Capitol On Jan. 6

'The DoD IG knowingly concealed the extent of the delay in constructing a narrative that is favorable to DoD and Pentagon leadership,' the letter says.

Republicans take back Alaska's House seat, solidifying the GOP's slim majority



Republican candidate Nick Begich has officially unseated incumbent Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola for Alaska's sole House seat on Wednesday, boosting the GOP's narrow majority in the chamber.

Begich won with 51.3% of the vote, while Peltola brought in 48.7% of the vote. Peltola first flipped the seat in 2022 after Alaska introduced ranked-choice voting, which allows voters to rank their preferred candidates on the ballot rather than choose between the Democratic and Republican candidates who won their respective primaries.

'The path ahead will not be built by one person or three people working for all of Alaska but by all Alaskans working together to build a future that works for all of us.'

Going into the 2024 election, there were two Republican candidates up against the Democratic incumbent: Begich and Nancy Dahlstrom. Republicans were concerned that two GOP candidates would split the vote as they did in 2022, so Dahlstrom dropped out in August to avoid becoming a spoiler candidate.

"The Ranked Choice Voting tabulation has been completed and has confirmed our win beyond any residual doubt," Begich said in a Wednesday post on X. "I am truly honored to have earned your trust and support."

"Alaska's potential is unmatched, but much work remains for Alaskans to fully realize that potential," Begich continued. "I am committed to fighting for our jobs and economy, protecting our unique way of life, and ensuring that our voices are heard loud and clear in Washington."

Republicans now hold 219 seats, while Democrats hold 213. Although Republicans have the advantage, their margin has been narrowed due to President-elect Donald Trump's recent nominations that have included three Republican congressmen.

"The path ahead will not be built by one person or three people working for all of Alaska but by all Alaskans working together to build a future that works for all of us," Peltola said in a Wednesday post on X.

"Nick, I'm rooting for you," Peltola continued. "Please don't forget when DC people keep telling you that you are one of three, you are actually one of more than seven hundred thousand Alaskans who are ready to fight for our state, myself included."

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Exclusive: Andy Biggs, Mike Lee reintroduce legislation protecting knife owners



Republican Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona and Republican Sen. Mike Lee of Utah reintroduced the Knife Owners Protection Act, which protects knife owners traveling from one state to another against vague and restrictive state and local laws.

The legislation details that so long as possession of the knife is legal in the states an individual travels to and from, and so long as the knife is secured based on the KOPA requirements, a knife owner can't be arrested for simply traveling across state lines.

"The government must not discourage interstate travel and commerce by subjecting law-abiding knife owners to the fear of prosecution under the myriad patchwork of state and local knife laws," Biggs said in a statement obtained exclusively by Blaze News.

'Enforcement is not uniform even with jurisdictions and is too often subject to the vagaries of political expediency.'

"Americans are guaranteed the right to protect themselves, their families, and their businesses by the Second Amendment, and we must ensure that those rights are protected," Biggs continued. "I'm thankful for Senator Lee's leadership on the issue in the Senate and for the support of my colleagues as we work to move this bill through Congress."

The bill was originally drafted in 2010 by an organization known as Knife Rights and was officially introduced in 2013, making KOPA the first proactive federal legislation protecting knife owners in our nation's history.

Congress enacted a similar law in 1986 known as the Firearm Owner Protection Act, which protected law-abiding gun owners from the patchwork of local and state laws. Although FOPA was already passed, knife owners have not yet experienced the same protections.

"Those who travel across the country with knives for work, recreation and self-defense are presently subject to arrest and prosecution under a confusing patchwork of inconsistent state and local laws," Doug Ritter, chairman of Knife Rights, said in the statement.

"What is perfectly legal in one place may be a serious crime in another, resulting in forfeiture of the knife and carrying significant penalties including jail time," Ritter continued. "Enforcement is not uniform even with jurisdictions and is too often subject to the vagaries of political expediency."

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Ron Johnson gives hilarious response to Matt Gaetz's nomination



When asked about Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida's nomination for attorney general, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin responded by holding up a photo of two transgender appointees from President Joe Biden's administration.

Johnson's printed-out pictures included a photo of Rachel Levine, who serves as the assistant secretary of health for the Department of Health and Human Services, and a photo of Sam Brinton, who was nominated as deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Nuclear Energy.

When pressed about Gaetz' nomination, Johnson held up the photos and asked reporters whether they ever "harassed" Democratic lawmakers about those nominees.

Although Gaetz has sparked controversy online and hesitation from certain members of Congress, Johnson pointed out past nominees who have been just as controversial as, if not more than, the Florida firebrand.

Both nominees have scandal-ridden histories. In Levine's case, he pressured Biden administration officials to remove age requirements for transgender surgeries and puberty blockers for minors. Levine has also made claims that "climate change is having a disproportionate effect on the physical and mental health of Black communities."

On the other hand, Brinton, who identifies as "nonbinary," has faced federal charges for allegedly stealing Tanzanian designer Asya Khamsin's suitcase at Ronald Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia. Brinton was caught when he was photographed wearing one of Khamsin's designs, making this the third alleged incident of luggage theft Brinton had been involved with.

Brinton pled guilty in a sweetheart deal, receiving no jail time. Brinton is no longer serving in the Biden administration.

Although Gaetz has sparked controversy online and hesitation from certain members of Congress, Johnson pointed out past nominees who have been just as controversial as, if not more than, the Florida firebrand.

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