House Majority Hangs in Balance as More Democrats Plan to Retire

Republicans See Opportunity as Departure of Democrats in Competitive Districts Could Tip Control in 2024 Elections

More Democrats than Republicans are deciding to leave the House, a disparity that could have major ramifications in next year’s elections.
About two dozen Democrats have indicated they won’t seek reelection, with half running for another elected office. Meanwhile, only 14 Republicans have said they are not seeking another term.
Republicans had the most high-profile exits, with Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., becoming only the third lawmaker to be expelled by colleagues since the Civil War and Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., being the first-ever speaker removed from that office by his colleagues.
The departure of a handful of Democrats in competitive districts has Republicans thinking the overall retirement picture gives them an advantage in determining who will control the House after the 2024 elections.
Three incumbent House Democrats from North Carolina have essentially been left with little opportunity to return after GOP lawmakers in the state drew new boundaries for their congressional districts.