A wave of fresh faces is set to hit the House of Representatives as four states held congressional primaries, paving the way for new lawmakers to fill seats left vacant by retiring members or those seeking higher office.
The decision by several House members to forgo reelection or run for the Senate has created opportunities for Democrats and Republicans to join the 2025 freshman class. Among those not seeking reelection are Reps. Dan Kildee (D-MI), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), Jake LaTurner (R-KS), and Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO).
Michigan’s 8th Congressional District is up for grabs after Kildee’s decision not to run for a seventh term. Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet and Republican Paul Junge emerged victorious in their respective primaries and will face off in the general election. The seat, which has been in the Kildee family since the 1970s, is considered a toss-up with a slight advantage for the GOP.
In the same state, Slotkin’s decision to run for Senate has left her 7th District seat open. Curtis Hertel won the Democratic nomination, while Tom Barrett secured the Republican nomination. The district, which narrowly backed Donald Trump in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020, is rated a toss-up with a slight GOP advantage.
In Missouri, Wesley Bell’s primary victory over incumbent Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) in the 1st District ensures a new representative will take office. Bell is likely to face Republican Stan Hall in November, although the GOP primary is still too close to call.
Luetkemeyer’s decision to retire after 15 years in the House has opened up his 3rd District seat. Republican Bob Onder won a crowded primary and will face Democrat Bethany Mann in November. The seat is considered solidly Republican.
In Washington state, McMorris Rodgers’s surprise decision not to run for reelection has left her 5th Congressional District seat up for grabs. Republican Michael Baumgartner and Democrat Carmela Conroy emerged victorious in the top-two primary contest, with Baumgartner considered the favorite to win.
Kilmer’s decision not to run for reelection has also created an opening in his district, although the seat is expected to remain under Democratic control. The primary has not yet been called, but Democrat Emily Randall and GOP candidate Drew MacEwen are likely to advance to the general election.
In Kansas, LaTurner’s decision not to run for reelection has drawn seven candidates to his seat. Derek Schmidt, the state’s former attorney general, won the Republican nomination, while Democrat Nancy Boyda won the primary by a narrow margin.
