Several supporters of former President Donald Trump have been re-elected and will return to Congress next year.
Rep. Byron Donalds, a strong Trump supporter and campaigner, was among the first to secure his House seat, according to the Associated Press. Donalds has been actively supporting Trump’s campaign, particularly aiming to connect with Black voters.
Rep. Anna Luna, another Florida representative and member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, was also re-elected. If Trump returns to the White House, he will need these allies in Congress to help push his agenda forward.
Republicans are expected to take control of the Senate, as they have no seats at risk in Democratic-leaning states. Meanwhile, they are working hard to keep their majority in the House.
Other key Trump supporters who won re-election include Reps. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, both of whom defeated their Democratic opponents easily. Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan also secured his seat. As chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Jordan has been a leading figure in actions against President Biden, including supporting an impeachment inquiry earlier this year.
In House leadership, Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana, a Trump supporter, won his fifth term. He is expected to remain in a leadership role if Republicans retain control of the House. Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik of New York, who has been a vocal Trump ally since his first impeachment trial, also won re-election. She is among those who have been considered as potential running mates for Trump in 2024.