House GOP Margin Drops to One Vote as Houston Democrat Sworn In

Texas Democrat Christian Menefee was sworn in to the House Monday, making Speaker Mike Johnson’s majority so narrow that he can lose just one Republican vote on party-line bills.

Johnson (R-La.) formally seated Menefee after the 37-year-old attorney was elected in a Houston special election over the weekend to replace late Rep. Sylvester Turner (D). Menefee will face another tough election later this year, when he plans to challenge Democrat Al Green in Texas’ redrawn 18th district.

Menefee’s election brings the House GOP majority to 218-214. The tightening couldn’t come at a worse time for ...