As Republicans Publicly Face-Plant, House Democrats Are Feeling Good About November

LEESBURG, Va. — The theme for this year’s House Democratic retreat was “Finish the Job,” a swagger-filled motto that would seem just as apropos for a pro sports playoff drive.

But for a party that often seems to focus on how things can go wrong, it’s a bit of a turnabout that also captures the upbeat mood of this year’s gathering at a resort about 35 miles outside of Washington.

On the heels of a high-profile face-plant by House Republicans earlier in the week, Democrats are confident they can take back the House majority. With only a few seats to flip, many feel there are plenty of political cards to play.

“House Democrats will continue to defend our democracy. House Republicans continue to choose dysfunction,” said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) at the start of the conference, summing up Democrats’ expected themes. Even the slogan is meant to hark back to the previous Congress, when Democratic majorities in both chambers allowed the party to pass significant legislation, including on economic recovery and infrastructure.

“I’m confident,” said Rep. Suzan DelBene (Wash.), chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. “But I’m confident knowing that we’ve got a lot of important work to do to get there.”

History gives them some reason for her optimism.

House Republicans hold a very narrow majority by historical standards, at 219 seats to Democrats’ 212. But on a day-to-day basis, the margin is even closer, as absences due to illnesses and other things can throw a wrench in how many votes each side can rally on any given day.

Republicans found this out Tuesday, when they tried to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas only to lose by one vote when Rep. Al Green (D-Texas)