Our new book is The Comeback: The 2024 Elections and American Politics. It includes a chapter on congressional and state elections.
President Donald Trump is doing everything he can to keep GOP control of the House, and it’s coming at the expense of some of the chamber’s most ambitious members.
It started in March, when Trump abruptly yanked Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.)’s nomination to serve as ambassador to the United Nations. But in recent weeks, the president has also played an important role in stymieing efforts from vulnerable House Republicans who were looking to seek higher office in 2026.
Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.) is still considering a Senate bid, but that’s much to the ire of Trump’s top advisers and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, who have gone all-in backing former Rep. Mike Rogers for the seat. Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) was seriously considering a run for governor, until a meeting with Trump ended in a social media post from the president endorsing his reelection to the House.
"Just spoke to Great Combat Veteran Zach Nunn, and he is committed to the mission of, HOLDING THE MAJORITY,” Trump said on Truth Social earlier this month, before Nunn had announced any decision.
The moves underscore the importance of maintaining Republicans' razor-thin majority for Trump's final years in office, and for the most part, the House Republicans are falling in line.
“After prayerful consideration with his family and the strong support from President Trump, Zach is more committed than ever to maintaining the Republican majority and advancing the America First Agenda,” a spokesperson for Nunn said when he made the decision.
Some, however, have not. Rep. John James (R-Mich.) launched a bid for governor without Trump’s endorsement, and the president made his displeasure clear.
“John James, John James," Trump said at a June bill signing. "I don't know; you know he's running for governor, but I'm not sure I'm happy about that, John. Do we have somebody good to take your seat? Because otherwise we're not letting him run for governor.”
The next potential target on Trump’s chopping block? Battleground New York Rep. Mike Lawler, who has been flirting with a bid for governor.
“I’m going to be meeting with the president at some point soon and have a conversation about the path forward,” Lawler told NewsNation last week. “But one way or the other, we need to have a united front — whether it’s me, whether it’s Elise Stefanik — we need to be focused on defeating Kathy Hochul.”
It’s not just about keeping members in the House. The White House also pushed for Texas’ mid-decade redistricting, which could net as many as five seats for Republicans. There’s action on the Senate side, too. Trump’s team met with Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) last week, as some Republicans brace for her potential retirement.