The 119th Congress kicks off this Friday, with Republicans holding both the House and Senate for the first time since 2019.
While this represents a significant opportunity for the GOP to push its agenda, the razor-thin margins in the House—one of the narrowest in about a century—mean challenges are on the horizon, starting with the election for Speaker of the House.
The leadership battle, to be held shortly after 12 p.m., will test the party’s ability to unify and deliver on campaign promises, which include border security, energy policy, and extending tax cuts. These priorities align with the conservative vision of a smaller government that empowers individuals and businesses.
However, internal divisions within the party could stall progress.
House Republicans’ Narrow Edge
Republicans secured 220 seats in the House during November’s elections, compared to 215 for the Democrats. With Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) choosing not to take his seat, the Republican majority shrinks to 219–215.
This leaves Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) with little room for error, as he needs 218 votes to retain his leadership position if all members are present and voting.
But with three GOP members tapped for roles in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration the Republcian majority is expected to shrink further, pending special elections to fill the vacancies.
The speakership election itself highlights the party’s internal struggles. In 2023, it took Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) 15 rounds of voting to secure the gavel, only to be ousted months later. Johnson, who eventually unified the party after weeks of gridlock, is now facing opposition from some within his ranks.
As Johnson himself said to Fox News earlier this week:
“It’s going to take a lot of work to build a consensus among all the Republicans to get it done.”
A Slim Majority’s Challenges
For conservatives who value limited government, the narrow majority underscores the need for discipline and focus. With such slim margins, even a handful of defections could derail legislation, making unity not just a goal but a necessity.
House Republicans plan to use budget reconciliation to advance their agenda. This process allows for passing certain measures with a simple majority in the Senate, bypassing the 60-vote threshold typically required.
It’s a critical tool for achieving conservative goals without relying on Democratic support.
But the GOP’s ability to deliver depends on overcoming internal disagreements. Recent fights over government funding revealed the extent of the divide, with some Republicans demanding steep spending cuts while others warned against risking a government shutdown.
A Republican Senate Majority
The GOP’s position in the Senate is stronger, with 53 seats compared to 47 for Democrats and independents. This gives Republicans more flexibility to shape the legislative agenda and confirm conservative judges.
However, passing significant legislation will still require careful negotiation, especially on contentious issues like immigration and the debt ceiling.
President-elect Trump’s call for raising the debt ceiling adds another layer of complexity. Conservatives who prioritize fiscal responsibility may balk at increasing the government’s borrowing limit without significant spending reforms.
What’s at Stake
Republicans’ top priorities reflect core conservative values. They aim to secure the border, promote domestic energy production, and make the Trump-era tax cuts permanent.
These policies are designed to reduce government intervention, boost economic growth, and enhance national security. For example, extending tax cuts could provide relief for families and businesses, while increasing energy independence would strengthen the U.S. against global supply chain disruptions.
Critics, however, argue that the GOP’s focus on tax cuts and deregulation disproportionately benefits the wealthy and could exacerbate the deficit. They also question whether the party’s approach to border security adequately addresses the complexities of immigration reform.
New Faces, Old Challenges
The new Congress brings more than 60 fresh faces to the House and 10 new senators. These members will play a crucial role in shaping the party’s direction.
Among the new senators are Republicans Jim Banks of Indiana and Bernie Moreno of Ohio, both of whom campaigned on strong conservative platforms. Freshman Senators Jim Justice, the former governor of West Virginia, David McCormick (R-PA) a former Hedge Fund CEO, and retired Navy Seal Tim Sheehy, (R-MT) will also be sworn in.
In the House, additions like Pat Harrigan, a Green Beret representing North Carolina and Abe Hamadeh a former prosecuror and Army Intligence officer fron Arizona bring energy and a focus on issues like national defense and election integrity.
However, the challenge lies in integrating these newcomers into a party already grappling with ideological splits. Some members are pushing for bold action on conservative priorities, while others emphasize pragmatism to avoid legislative deadlock.
As the GOP navigates the razor-thin majority, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Success will depend on the party’s ability to unite around shared goals while staying true to its principles of limited government and individual liberty. Whether they rise to the challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: conservatives have a pivotal role to play in shaping the nation’s future.
