House incumbents leaving to pursue state or higher office in 2024
House Incumbents Pursue New Opportunities in 2024
Exciting changes are underway in the House of Representatives as several incumbents set their sights on different national offices or state positions in 2024. Currently, 11 House Democrats and four House Republicans are stepping down to pursue new opportunities. Of these 15 representatives, 11 are running for the Senate, while others are seeking positions such as attorney general, governor, or university leadership.
Democrats Face Uphill Battle to Maintain Senate Majority
Let’s take a closer look at each member and their plans for the upcoming year:
Colin Allred
Representative Collin Allred (D-TX) is leaving the House to challenge Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) for a Senate seat in 2024. Allred has been vocal about Cruz’s disconnect from everyday Texans, highlighting his controversial trip to Cancun during Texas’s winter storm. As a rising star in the Democratic Party, Allred’s bid for the Senate is closely watched.
Jim Banks
Representative Jim Banks (R-IN) is departing the House to run for Senate, aiming to fill the seat of outgoing Senator Mike Braun (R-IN). Banks, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, has garnered significant endorsements and support, making his primary race appear relatively smooth.
Dan Bishop
Representative Dan Bishop (R-NC) is opting out of a third term in the House to pursue the role of North Carolina’s attorney general. Bishop believes this position will allow him to restore law and order to the state’s cities. With the backing of the Club for Growth PAC, Bishop is currently unchallenged in the Republican primary.
Ruben Gallego
Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is running for the Senate in 2024, seeking to replace Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ). Gallego is considered the front-runner in the Arizona Senate race, but Sinema’s potential entry could complicate the dynamics. Gallego has already demonstrated strong fundraising capabilities, outpacing Sinema in recent months.
Jeff Jackson
Representative Jeff Jackson (D-NC) is also vying for the role of North Carolina’s attorney general, foregoing a reelection bid. Jackson’s decision came after the state redrew its districts, posing a challenge for Democratic incumbents. He is currently the Democratic front-runner, facing off against Bishop in the general election.
Bill Johnson
Representative Bill Johnson (R-OH) will be leaving Congress to become the president of Youngstown State University. Although he will only serve for a few more months, Johnson remains committed to advancing key legislation before his departure.
Andy Kim
Representative Andy Kim (D-NJ) is running for the Senate to replace Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ). Kim’s campaign has gained momentum, with strong fundraising and growing support among state Democrats. Menendez’s federal indictment on corruption charges has further boosted Kim’s chances.
Barbara Lee, Adam Schiff, and Katie Porter
Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA), Katie Porter (D-CA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA) are all leaving the House to run for the Senate, aiming to replace the late Senator Dianne Feinstein. The California Senate race is highly competitive, with no candidate earning a clear endorsement from the state’s Democrats.
Alex Mooney
Representative Alex Mooney (R-WV) is running for the Senate seat left vacant by Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV). Although Mooney initially posed a threat to Manchin’s reelection, the senator’s decision not to run has shifted the dynamics. Mooney will now face off against Governor Jim Justice in the Republican primary.
Lisa Rochester
Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) is running for the Senate after Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) announced his retirement. Blunt Rochester is the immediate favorite in the deep blue state and aims to become the third black woman elected to the Senate.
Elissa Slotkin
Representative Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) is running for the Senate to replace Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). Slotkin has garnered significant support from Democrats, positioning herself as the leading candidate with her congressional experience.
Abigail Spanberger
Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) is forgoing a House reelection campaign to run for governor of Virginia. Spanberger aims to turn Virginia into a Democratic stronghold, while Republicans scramble to find a suitable candidate to replace outgoing Governor Glenn Youngkin.
David Trone
Representative David Trone (D-MD) is running for Maryland’s open Senate seat following Senator Ben Cardin’s (D-MD) retirement announcement. Trone, known for his successful business ventures, is self-funding his campaign and has pledged not to accept money from PACs, lobbyists, or corporations.
These House incumbents are embarking on exciting new journeys, seeking to make an impact in different roles and offices. Their decisions will shape the political landscape in the upcoming 2024 elections.
How might the departures of Ken Buck, Elise Stefanik, Lee Zeldin, and Greg Pence from the House impact the political landscape in their respective districts
Ate Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). All three representatives have strong track records and are well-known in California politics. Their Senate campaigns are expected to be competitive, as they face strong opponents within their own party and potentially in the general election as well.
Republicans Seek New Leadership Roles
Now let’s turn our attention to the House Republicans who are pursuing new opportunities:
Ken Buck
Representative Ken Buck (R-CO) has announced his intention to run for Colorado’s attorney general position. Buck, known for his conservative values, believes his experience as a prosecutor and his commitment to upholding the rule of law will make him a strong candidate for this role.
Elise Stefanik
Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) has recently made headlines for her prominent role in defending then-President Donald Trump during his first impeachment trial. Now, Stefanik is seeking to become the next Governor of New York. If successful, she would be the first Republican to hold this position in over a decade.
Lee Zeldin
Representative Lee Zeldin (R-NY) is also aiming for the role of Governor of New York. Zeldin, who has been critical of current Governor Andrew Cuomo, believes his experience as a state representative and his focus on conservative policies will resonate with voters.
Greg Pence
Representative Greg Pence (R-IN) is running for the Senate in ⁄2024, seeking to replace retiring Senator Todd Young (R-IN). As the brother of former Vice President Mike Pence, Greg Pence has strong name recognition and ties to the state. His campaign is expected to be closely watched due to his family’s political background.
As these House incumbents pursue new opportunities in 2024, the landscape of Congress and state politics is set to undergo significant changes. With Democrats facing a challenging battle to maintain their Senate majority and Republicans seeking new leadership roles, the upcoming elections will undoubtedly be pivotal in shaping the direction of our national and state governments.
It will be fascinating to see how these representatives fare in their respective races and what implications their departures from the House will have on their districts. As they embark on new endeavors, the political landscape will undoubtedly transform, offering fresh perspectives and possibilities for the years to come.
Overall, these House incumbents pursuing new opportunities in 2024 reflect the dynamic nature of American politics. As individuals seek different offices and positions, our democracy continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs and demands of the American people.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
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