House Swears In New Democratic Member Narrowing GOP Majority

The House swore in its newest Democratic member Monday bringing the party’s caucus back to 213 members and temporarily reducing Republicans’ already slim majority to just one vote. Rep. Tim Kennedy (D-NY) took the oath of office after lawmakers completed their first votes of the week just six days after winning a special election.

“I stand before you humbled by the opportunity God has given us to be together in this moment” Kennedy said addressing his colleagues. “This awesome and magnificent responsibility granted to me by the people of western New York. I look forward to working with you to change our country for the better. I’m hopeful that we in this chamber can demonstrate leadership on a world stage that our fellow Americans can be proud of.”

Kennedy’s presence brings the full House back to 430 members with Republicans holding a 217-213 majority meaning Speaker Mike Johnson can only afford to lose one vote on any given measure for it to pass along party lines.

The latest alteration to the makeup of the House comes as the chamber seeks to fill several other vacancies announced in recent months including seats vacated by Reps. Kevin McCarthy Bill Johnson Mike Gallagher and Ken Buck who each resigned before their term expired as well as the seat of the late Rep. Donald Payne. Kennedy is set to run in the primary election on June 25 to be elected to the seat for a full term.

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