How did Van Epps' win affect Speaker Johnson's legislative power?

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Van Epps' victory expanded the GOP majority to 220-213—giving Johnson a seven-seat cushion until Marjorie Taylor Greene's planned January 5, 2026 resignation shrinks it to 219-213. With 218 needed for a majority, Johnson can only afford to lose four Republican votes on party-line legislation (assuming all members vote). This razor-thin margin explains why Johnson personally campaigned for Van Epps, holding Trump's speakerphone at rallies and stating "my majority is razor-thin...every seat matters more than ever." A Behn victory would have dropped Republicans to 219-214, allowing only three defections. Democrats are favored to win upcoming Texas and New Jersey special elections, potentially narrowing Johnson's margin to 218-215 by spring 2026. This gives individual Republicans massive leverage: Freedom Caucus members can block bills, forcing Johnson to negotiate with Democrats or make concessions. Van Epps joins at a critical moment as the House debates Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" sequel.

How did Van Epps' win affect Speaker Johnson's legislative power?

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