House Report Shorts (July 24, 2025)
July 24, 2025 · 2:26 PM EDT
New York’s 17th District. GOP Rep. Mike Lawler is not running for governor, in a reversal that comes after the Hudson Valley congressman has been teasing a bid for over a year. His decision clears the way for Congresswoman Elise Stefanik to secure the GOP nomination next year for an uphill battle against Gov. Kathy Hochul. And Lawler’s decision to seek re-election makes it easier for Republicans to hold his seat in the House and potentially hold the majority. Toss-up.
Pennsylvania’s 7th District. Pennsylvania Professional Firefighters Association President Bob Brooks is gearing up for a run against freshman Republican Ryan Mackenzie. Brooks, a 20-year veteran of the Bethlehem FD, will be the fourth Democrat in the race, which already includes Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure, former energy executive Carol Obando-Derstine, and former federal prosecutor Ryan Crosswell. Toss-up.
Tennessee’s 7th District. GOP Rep. Mark Green resigned from the House, with a potential job lined up in the private sector. Trump finished ahead of Harris 60-38 percent in 2024, so the seat should stay in Republican hands, but it’s not a guarantee. At a minimum, Speaker MIke Johnson will be down a vote until the seat is filled. The special primary election is set for October 7 followed by a December 2 special general election. Solid Republican.
Texas Redistricting. With strong encouragement from the White House, Texas Republicans have been tasked with redrawing the congressional lines ahead of the 2026 elections in order to try and gain as many as five seats. The legislation is currently in special session and redistricting is one of many items placed on the docket by GOP Gov. Greg Abbott. Republicans could try to make districts in South Texas and the Dallas and Houston areas easier to capture. There’s some risk that Republicans would have more difficulty holding those seats in the future because GOP voters are diluted to maximize opportunities. But for now, Republicans are emboldened by recent election results in the state and President Trump is committed to retaining Republican majorities to help him pass his priorities and insulate him from a future Democratic majority. We’ll analyze the specific races when new lines are completed and implemented.