President-elect Trump this week began endorsing fellow Republicans to replace those who vacated their seats to join the Cabinet.
The endorsement comes amid concerns that Trump's election to the House could jeopardize the party's majority in the House, the size of which is still undetermined.
President Trump has endorsed two former Republican state senators from Florida. Randy Fine and the current chief financial officer of the Sunshine State; jimmy patronis jr. According to the president-elect, both men are considering running for Congress.
Fine is running from Florida's 6th Congressional District, a seat currently held by Congressman Michael Walz, who was nominated by President Trump to be the next national security adviser. Patronis is running from Florida's deep-red 1st Congressional District, previously held by former Congressman Matt Gaetz. Gates resigned from Congress after President Trump nominated him for attorney general, but he withdrew his name from the list of candidates amid allegations of sexual assault and other misconduct. He denies any wrongdoing.
Slim Republican chamber size, majority depends on three uncalled races
President-elect Trump has endorsed two Florida officials to fill open House seats in his cabinet. (Florida House of Representatives)
However, President Trump has not endorsed anyone to replace Rep. Elise Stefanik (RN.Y.), the chair of the Republican House of Representatives. If he is confirmed by the Senate, a deep red seat in upstate New York will also be up for grabs. Trump administration's ambassador to the United Nations.
House Republicans are on track to win a majority between one and three votes if a few high-profile races are decided. There are still three races left to call, two in California and one in Iowa.
The current balance of power in the House is 219 for Republicans and 213 for Democrats. Republicans need to win 218 seats to maintain a majority.
Walz, Stefanik and Gaetz's seats are all in Republican strongholds, especially since any subsequent special elections are likely to be held within the first weeks or months of Trump's term. Lawmakers have expressed concern that it could hinder Mr. Trump's ambitions during his first 100 days. .
Representatives Mike Walz and Elise Stefanik have been selected to serve in the Trump administration. (Getty Images)
“I know he's already plucked some very talented people out of the House, and I hope he doesn't pull any more for a while until there's a special election,” said Congressman Steve Scalise. It shows the talent and ability we have.” The Republican governor of Louisiana said at a press conference last week. Mr. Scalise is the House Majority Leader.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) similarly said he did not believe Mr. Trump would poach any more House members for his administration, adding that he had brought up the topic in discussions with Mr. Trump.
November 4, 2024 at the Capitol in Washington, DC. (Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“President Trump completely understands and appreciates the math here, and this is just a numbers game. You know, I believe we can get a bigger majority than last time. Handicap. It's too early to say, but we're optimistic about that,'' Johnson said. “But every vote counts, because if someone gets sick or has a car accident or their flight is delayed, it affects the vote on the floor. I don't expect any more members to leave, but I'll leave that up to him.”
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Trump Vance transition press secretary Caroline Leavitt told Fox News Digital that the president-elect is working with House leadership, including Speaker Johnson, to “maintain the House Republican majority and begin immediately in January.” “I'm 100% committed,'' he said. The policies for which voters elected him.
Fox News Digital political correspondent Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.
