As the 119th Congress convenes, there is a fresh group of senators ready to leave their marks. Four Democrats and six Republicans join the upper chamber, each poised to play a critical role in legislation and policy in the coming years. Here’s a deeper look at the background and plans for the senators just sworn in.
Overview of new senators
The newest senators are coming from a range of states and bring a wide variety of experiences. Each has been vetted by different systems and may have greater or lesser experience in national politics. The new members of Congress are:
- Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD): She is the first Black senator to represent Maryland, replacing Ben Cardin. She is coming from public service, having been a county executive and prosecutor.
- Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE): A former member of the House, Rochester continues her historic journey as one of the first two Black women to serve in the Senate simultaneously.
- Ruben Gallego (D-AZ): A U.S. Army veteran and former congressman, Gallego is known for his veterans’ issues advocacy and immigration reform.
- Elissa Slotkin (D-MI): An expert in intelligence and national security, Slotkin takes the seat of retiring Senator Debbie Stabenow.
- Jim Banks (R-IN): A veteran and former congressman, Banks touts conservative values and is likely to toe the party line for Senate Republican leadership.
- John Curtis (R-UT): He just finished a term in the House and focuses on economic development and energy policy.
- Jim Justice (R-WV): The former governor of West Virginia, Justice brings executive experience into the Senate. He focuses on roads and jobs.
- David McCormick (R-PA): An executive with a hedge fund and failed gubernatorial candidate, McCormick touts his experience in the business world as a driver of policies.
- Bernie Moreno (R-OH): A businessman who built a car dealership chain, Moreno touts border security and economic growth.
- Tim Sheehy (R-MT): A former Navy SEAL, Sheehy is likely to be focused on military issues and veterans’ affairs.
- Andy Kim: With a vacancy creating an earlier swearing-in date, Kim is widely considered to be the first Korean American senator.
- Adam Schiff (D-CA): Like other early swearers in, Schiff gained notoriety for the impeachment of former President Trump.
Historic moment
The 119th Congress marks the historic moment of two Black women, Angela Alsobrooks, and Lisa Blunt Rochester, serving concurrently in the Senate. Her swearing in is also another sign that better and more representative government continues to develop. But Kim’s election reflects a newer reality of diversification in leadership ranks in Congress.
Balance of power
Though Republicans hold a thin majority in the Senate, 53 seats to 47 for Democrats, the new senators will face enormous hurdles to work with respective parties. While the GOP looks to cement their priorities, Democrats will seek areas to balance against them, attempting to build alliances in key areas. Many of the key areas include:
- Economy policy: Economy policy likely will be debated in both parties given concerns of inflation. Senators like David McCormick may shape a business-first economic agenda as others push progressive reforms.
- Healthcare: There has been talk on healthcare access and affordability, focusing on Senators such as Elissa Slotkin for continued conversation around Democratic Legislation with Republican pushback.
- Climate change: The newly elected senators are going to have very different positions on this issue, as it becomes higher profile, ranging from the Democratic Party’s radical climate initiatives to traditional energy policy considered by Republicans such as Jim Justice.
The new Senate class sworn into the Congress of 2025 brings with it a diverse set of experiences, backgrounds, and priorities reflective of an ever-changing political environment inside the United States. Their every step, as they begin their terms, is going to be watched intently by every constituent and political analyst.
The interaction of these new members with each other is going to determine the fate not only of their respective states but of national policy for many years to come. With much on the line, the 119th Congress has all the markings of a defining period in American governance.
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