WASHINGTON — With the start of the second Donald Trump administration, the incoming Congress introduces a fresh set of faces to Capitol Hill as Republicans officially assume control of both chambers on Friday. The slim Republican majority in the House, beginning at 219-215, will necessitate strong unity to achieve legislative goals without Democratic support. This shift in power allows rank-and-file lawmakers, unaffiliated with leadership or committee roles, to play a significant role in national discussions, particularly those from competitive districts, ideologically driven individuals, and newly elected members. Here are 11 noteworthy House members to keep an eye on in the 119th Congress:
Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas: Known for his staunchly conservative views, Roy is recognized for his passionate speeches criticizing compromises by Republican leaders. Not afraid to oppose bills that don’t meet his standards, he is eager to play a larger role in the upcoming Trump era, potentially posing challenges for House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump.
Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky: As a libertarian from Kentucky, Massie is independent of Trump’s influence and unafraid to express dissenting opinions. Along with Roy, Massie did not align with Trump during last year’s primary, opting to support Gov. Ron DeSantis instead. Massie has openly opposed Johnson’s bid for speakership, asserting his own views without hesitation.
Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md: Leading the far-right House Freedom Caucus, Harris embodies conservative principles in the new administration. His approach remains uncertain – will he support Trump unquestioningly or rally the Freedom Caucus to challenge Trump on issues such as spending and trade, where their views differ?
Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb: A retired Air Force brigadier general, Bacon has navigated competitive elections in Omaha by positioning himself as a moderate voice. He sees himself, along with other moderates, as a guiding force within the narrow GOP majority.
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y: Lawler, a former political consultant, emerged victorious in a close race in a Democratic-leaning district. He is contemplating a gubernatorial run in 2026, dependent on the outcome of his early months in office and his ability to address pressing issues for Americans and New Yorkers.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa: Representing the swing district of Philadelphia suburbs, Fitzpatrick has maintained his moderate stance and law enforcement background to secure re-election. Balancing bipartisan appeal with Republican loyalty will be crucial in the coming term.
Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine: A Marine veteran, Golden defies political expectations, winning a fourth term in a district that also supported Trump. His ability to navigate differing viewpoints will be key in the evolving political landscape.
Rep. Den has gained a reputation for criticizing his own party and breaking ranks with fellow Democrats on crucial votes. He appears to be inclined to lend his support to certain measures put forth by Republicans in order to demonstrate his independence. However, the exact limits of his willingness to align with the opposing party remain uncertain.
Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, a Democrat from Washington state, has also urged her party to prioritize the needs of rural, working-class constituents in her southwest Washington district, a region that supported Trump in the 2024 election. Gluesenkamp Perez has not shied away from diverging from her party’s stance on various issues, with her recent backing of a measure supported by the former President Trump to fund the government.
Returning to the House following his victory in a special election in early 2024, Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York saw his district on Long Island switch its allegiance from supporting President Joe Biden in 2020 to favoring Trump in the most recent election. Suozzi has been vocal about the importance of addressing concerns related to border security and immigration within his party, issues that have been central to Trump’s agenda and are likely to create divisions within the political landscape.
At just 35 years old, Rep. Greg Casar of Texas has assumed a leadership role within the Congressional Progressive Caucus, positioning himself as a prominent figure in the opposition to the Trump administration. Casar’s leadership of a sizable group of members, which includes notable liberals such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, marks him as a significant player in shaping the party’s response to the current political climate. In a recent interview with NBC News, Casar criticized the Democratic Party for losing touch with working-class Americans and emphasized the need for a revised strategy to counter Trump’s focus on cultural issues, while emphasizing the importance of prioritizing wages and economic matters.
Rep.-elect Sarah McBride is poised to make history as the first openly transgender member of Congress, a milestone that has drawn considerable attention from Republicans even before her official assumption of office. Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina has actively opposed policies that would allow transgender individuals like McBride to utilize women’s restrooms in the Capitol, a stance that McBride has denounced as “mean-spirited” and a diversion from more substantive policy debates. Democratic leaders are eager to steer the party away from culture wars and towards economic concerns in response to the ongoing Trump administration, with McBride expected to play a pivotal role in advancing this shift in focus.
