In a jaw-dropping development, two Democrats are jumping ship from Congress after a month of high drama that saw the dethroning and replacement of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) as speaker. This is the latest proof of the infighting and disarray plaguing the Democrats.
Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.), who has been in the House for almost two decades, announced his retirement on Oct. 26. His departure comes amidst a backdrop of political chaos, with the beleaguered Democrat leadership desperately trying to reclaim their majority status by 2025. But with Sarbanes leaving the fray, one must wonder if this is a sign of things to come.
Meanwhile, Rep. Jeff Jackson (D-N.C.), a freshman congressman, has also decided not to run for re-election in 2024. Instead, he plans to run for North Carolina attorney general, promising to “go after political corruption.” The irony is palpable. A Democrat fighting corruption? It seems like they’re finally waking up to the problems in their own backyard!
These departures add to the growing list of Democrats fleeing Congress to retire or seek other offices, including Reps. Katie Porter (D-Calif.), Andy Kim (D-Calif.), and Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.). The Democrat ship is sinking, and it seems everyone is looking for a lifeboat.
Meanwhile, the Republicans are steadily gaining ground, controlling the House with 221 members against the Democrats’ 212. The 2022 midterm elections saw the Republicans outsmart the Democrats, flipping control of the lower chamber. The Democrats managed to cling to control of the Senate, but only by the skin of their teeth.
The departures of Sarbanes and Jackson have thrown the political landscape into further turmoil. Who will step up to fill the void? So far, only one Democrat, nurse Kristin Lyman Nabors, has thrown her hat into the ring. With no new announcements following Sarbanes’ impending retirement, speculation is rife about potential candidates.
In another twist, the redrawing of district boundaries could see Republicans flip North Carolina’s 14th congressional district. No Democrats have yet announced a bid for the redrawn seat, adding to the uncertainty.
The political drama is far from over. The Democrats are in disarray, their ranks thinning and their hold on power slipping away. As the Republicans continue to gain ground, it seems the Democrats are fighting a losing battle. The clock is ticking, and all eyes are on the Democrats as they scramble to regain control. But with their ship taking on water, how long before it sinks completely?