House News & Analysis

Candidate Conversation: Juan “Sonny” Palacios, Jr. (D)

April 11, 2016 · 2:53 PM EDT

Candidate for Texas’ 15th District

Interview Date: March 24, 2016

Date of Birth: Oct. 30, 1971; Edinburg, Texas

Education: Univ. of Texas-Pan American (B.A. 1996); Texas Southern Univ. (J.D. 2002)

Political Office: Edinburg School Board

Current Outlook: Palacios finished second in the March 1 Democratic primary in the race…

This 2014 House Race May Have Predicted Trump’s Success

by Nathan L. Gonzales April 10, 2016 · 8:30 AM EDT

Sixteen months ago, no one predicted Donald Trump would become the favorite for the Republican presidential nomination. But back in 2014, a seemingly random Illinois House race should have been an early indicator of an angry electorate that would be receptive to the billionaire businessman’s anti-establishment profile and message.

‘14 Losers Looking for Second Chance in ‘16

by Nathan L. Gonzales March 31, 2016 · 9:07 AM EDT

In sports and in politics, losing by a little can be harder than losing by a lot. At least a dozen 2016 candidates are hoping that their close calls in 2014 were more than a mirage of a missed opportunity.

California Republican Paul Chabot could barely get national GOP…

Rush Wins Primary, Other Black Caucus Members Also Face Challenges

by Nathan L. Gonzales March 27, 2016 · 9:00 AM EDT

Long-time Rep. Bobby L. Rush survived a primary challenge on March 15, and he’s just the first in a series of Congressional Black Caucus members facing an opponent from within the Democratic Party.

Rush won the Illinois primary 71-19 percent over Chicago Alderman Howard Brookins Jr. for the South Side…

GOP Incumbents Brace for Primary Losses, But Survive So Far

by Nathan L. Gonzales March 25, 2016 · 11:00 AM EDT

As Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and even Ben Carson harnessed the energy of anti-establishment voters in the Republican presidential race, GOP incumbents have grown worried they will be simultaneously swept out of office. But in spite of the volatility at the top of the ticket, Senate and House incumbents…

Is an Anti-Trump Wave Putting the House Into Play?

by Nathan L. Gonzales March 25, 2016 · 10:58 AM EDT

The closer Donald Trump or Ted Cruz gets to winning the Republican presidential nomination, the more Democrats talk about control of the House being in play. But even though the duo may deliver Democrats an electoral wave of historic proportions, it’s still not clear whether one will develop or whether…

Few Surprises (and One Likely New Member) In Early House Primary Results

by Nathan L. Gonzales March 25, 2016 · 10:56 AM EDT

As the presidential race dominates the news coverage, some key House primaries set the stage for the general election or gave us a glimpse at some new Members of the next Congress who are close to securing safe, open seats. 

We wrote separately about House incumbents surviving primaries including…

Illinois 15: Shimkus Escapes Primary Challenge With Decisive Victory in Downstate District

by Nathan L. Gonzales March 25, 2016 · 10:55 AM EDT

With a nearly 20-year record in Congress and a mediocre rating with the Club for Growth, it’s not surprising that Illinois Republican John Shimkus drew a primary challenger in this political environment. But like the rest of his colleagues thus far in the cycle, the congressman prevailed. 

While anti-establishment…

Candidate Conversation: Geraldine Thompson (D)

March 25, 2016 · 10:54 AM EDT

Candidate for Florida’s 10th District

Interview Date: March 15, 2016

Date of Birth: Nov. 18, 1948; New Orleans, La. 

Education: Miami-Dade College (A.A. 1968); Miami Univ. (B.A. 1970); Florida State Univ. (Master’s 1973)

Political Office: State Senate; State House (former)

Current Outlook: Thompson is a credible contender for a…

Candidate Conversation: Monica Vernon (D)

by Nathan L. Gonzales March 25, 2016 · 10:53 AM EDT

Candidate for Iowa’s 1st District

Interview Date: March 22, 2016

Date of Birth: Oct. 19, 1957; F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Cheyenne, Wyo. 

Education: Univ. of Iowa (B.A. 1980, MBA 1999); 

Political Office: Cedar Rapids City Council; 2014 1st District candidate

Current Outlook: Vernon is a top contender for…