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Flynn Nicholls

By Flynn Nicholls

US News Reporter

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President-elect Donald Trump has named two members of the House of Representatives to his cabinet, and at least four more Representatives are rumored to be joining them in high office.

Having not yet officially won a majority in the House, the President-elect could further tighten the Republican's margin, which is likely be a very narrow majority over the Democrats, when all votes have been counted.

According to The Associated Press, the Republicans have so far won 214 of 435 seats in the House of Representatives; they need 218 to form a majority. Democrats have won 205.

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When an elected Representative vacates their position to take up a cabinet position, a special election is held in their district. Every state has different laws for how quickly these elections are held, but they typically take months, and could potentially delay the time before a Republican House could start passing laws, or even give Democrats a chance to further narrow the Republican margin, or even win back the House majority.

Of the 17 uncalled districts remaining, Republicans lead in 8 and Democrats lead in 8. One, Washington 4, will be Republican because the race is between two from the GOP. While Republicans are likely to win a House majority, it is very likely to be narrow, potentially five votes or fewer.

Newsweek has contacted Trump's office via email for comment.

Donald Trump and JD Vance

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So far, Trump has officially appointed Florida Representative Mike Waltz as his national security adviser and New York Representative Elise Stefanik as his ambassador to the United Nations. Waltz won his district by 33 points. Stefanik won hers by 24.6 points.

Additionally, at least four more candidates are reported to be candidates for cabinet positions.

According the Washington Post, North Carolina Representative Virginia Foxx and Florida Representative Byron Donalds are both potential candidates for Secretary of Education. Foxx won her district by 19 points and Donalds won his by 33 points.

Meanwhile, Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie has hinted that he is open to becoming the Secretary of Agriculture. Politico reported that Alabama Representative Mike Rogers is rumored as a potential candidate for Secretary of Defense. Both Massie and Rogers ran unopposed in their districts.

On Monday, Punchbowl News founder Jake Sherman posted on X, to point out how the appointments could put pressure on what is already likely to be a small Republican majority: "Between Stefanik and Waltz going into the administration, house Republicans will have a very tiny majority come the beginning of the 119th. Could be 219 or 220. Dangerous territory for @SpeakerJohnson—and more incentive to punt funding to Sept."

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