It Truly Sucks to Be a House Republican With Lofty Ambitions
The reputation of the House of Representatives has become an obstacle for House Republicans seeking to pursue higher political careers. Many outgoing members have discovered that their experience in the House is not viewed favorably by voters, making it difficult for them to win statewide elections. The high number of House Republicans retiring or seeking statewide positions has led to a significant number of losses in primaries, with only a few winning their respective races.
- ▪Eight of the 21 House Republicans running for statewide office have lost or abandoned their primaries.
- ▪Only four have won their respective races, with some receiving assistance from President Donald Trump.
- ▪The reputation of the House is seen as a major factor in the losses, with voters being unimpressed by the candidates' experience.
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Press PassIt Truly Sucks to Be a House Republican With Lofty AmbitionsOoh, that smell. Can’t you smell that smell? Ooh, that smell. The smell of incumbency surrounds you.Joe PerticoneJun 25, 2026∙ Paid4533Share)Photo Illustration by Bill Kuchman/The Bulwark | Photos: Getty, Shutterstock)If you ain’t first, you’re lastPOLITICS USED TO BE A LOT SIMPLER. You’d get elected to local office, then a lower-tier state-level office, and then, after that, maybe you could win an election to serve in the U.S. House. If you were fortunate enough to get that far, doors would open for you to pursue major state-wide offices, like a governorship or a seat in the United States Senate.
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