How big is the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives?

Starters

Jan 20

Critical Analysis

Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, your big brain, the information provided and any links below:

The current 119th U.S. House Republican majority is one of the narrowest margins in U.S. history: a five-vote (member) edge on Democrats, 218 to 213 – the tightest margin in nine decades. According to the data from the visual above, what number is currently needed to have a simple majority in the House?
After the resignation late last year of Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, Republican of Georgia, and the sudden death last week of Representative Doug LaMalfa, Republican of California, the current breakdown is 218 Republicans to 213 Democrats. The edge is likely to dwindle further after a special election later this month in Texas to replace Representative Sylvester Turner, a Democrat who died last March. Democrats are expected to pick up an additional seat there, bringing their total to 214. At that point, Mr. Johnson would be able to afford only one defection on a party-line vote and still pass legislation. How do you think this narrow margin will impact the power of the current Speaker Mike Johnson of the House? (In other words, does this narrow margin increase or limit the power of the speaker)?
Texas will now hold special elections to pick replacements for these vacancies. Some states like Florida hold primaries for a special election, but in New York, political parties choose their candidate to run in New York special elections. Which method do you think is more democratic and which method do you think Snoop Dog would prefer?
The trifecta of control of the House, Senate and presidency - currently held by Donald Trump - gives the president significant power to enact his agenda on the economy, immigration and other key issues. But with a narrow House majority Republicans could still struggle to secure enough votes for some actions. Since his election Trumps party has not passed much legislation, but the president has signed many executive orders. Why do you think that is?
One advantage the majority party in the House gains is the election of the Speaker (head) of the House. Identify one other advantage the House majority party gains.
Does the close margin in the House increase or decrease the power of individual House members?
The 117th Congress (2021-2022) had a Democratic majority of just 11 seats. The current 118th Congress (2023-2024) has a Republican majority of just 9 seats. The incoming 119th Congress (2025-2026) will have a Republican majority of only 5 seats. Based on your knowledge of American government and politics explain why the past two Congresses have had such a low margin of majority.
Some would say that a small margin of majority is a good thing because it will serve as a check against a tyrannical Congress. they might even claim or argue that James Madison would have been pleased as punch (happy) about such a small House majority. How would you respond to that claim?
How is the slim margin in the U.S. House a consequence of political polarization?
At the beginning of 2026, 17 House Republicans joined Democrats this week on a vote to extend health care subsidies that had expired at the end of 2025. Even if the Democrats passed legislation through the House, what could the Republicans do to stop that legislation from becoming law?

Write and Discuss

Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.

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Act on your Learning

Contact your Congressional representative and ask them hos the narrow House majority margin impacts their ability to do their job. Share their response with your classmates.

Get Creative

Imagine you were House Speaker and former Mr. Rogers impersonator Mike Johnson and you were giving a pep talk to the House members of the Republican caucus. Write that speech. I asked AI to write a pep talk in the voice of Snoop Dog. Here’s what AI came up with.

Fo shizzle, my nizzle, let's talk about teamwork, ya feel me?

Ain't nothin' in this world you can do solo, aight? We all need our crew, our posse, our squad. We gotta have each other's backs, ya know? Like, pass the rock, share the mic, keep the peace. That's how we roll to success, ya dig?

Remember, a team is only as strong as its weakest link. So lift each other up, show some love, and make that dream work. Word up.

Peace out.