Raúl Grijalva died of complications from cancer treatments at the age of 77, just two months after having begun his seventh term in the House. Adelita Grijalva is seeking to finish her father’s term, a situation similar to when the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee died and her daughter, former Rep. Erica Lee Carter, finished her term. <\/p>\n

The special election could be a turning point in the release of more files related to Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender. <\/p>\n

MAJOR HOUSE REPUBLICAN PLAYERS HEAD FOR THE EXITS, LEAVING GAPS IN THE LOWER CHAMBER<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Rep. Thomas Massie’s (R-KY) and Rep. Ro Khanna’s (D-CA) discharge petition is merely one signature short of forcing Johnson to put their Epstein transparency bill<\/a> on the House floor for a vote. Tuesday’s special election could deliver the final signature needed. The so-called “discharge petition” must reach 218 signatures before the authors can call a vote after seven legislative days. All Democrats have been joined by four Republicans, making up the 217 signatures as of Monday.<\/p>\n

Adelita Grijalva confirmed to the Washington Examiner<\/em> earlier this month that she would sign the Epstein discharge petition if she wins the special election on Tuesday and is sworn into Congress.<\/p>\n

The current House GOP majority is two seats, with 219 Republicans and 213 Democrats, after Virginia held its special election earlier<\/a> this month to replace the late House Oversight ranking member Gerry Connolly. Connolly’s former chief of staff, Democrat James Walkinshaw, won the seat, meaning Johnson can only afford to lose two GOP votes and still pass legislation along party lines. Grijalva’s special election won&rsquo<\/a>;t change the margin if a Democrat wins, due to House numbers.<\/p>\n

MAJOR HOUSE REPUBLICAN PLAYERS HEAD FOR THE EXITS LEAVING GAPS IN THE LOWER CHAMBER<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

But if Democrats hold on to the late Rep. Sylvester Turner’s (D-TX) seat, Johnson’s majority would shrink to just a one-vote margin. That election is set for Nov. 4, and Turner’s seat is expected to remain blue, given that it is a D+21 district.<\/p>\n

Another special election will be held to replace former Tennessee Republican Rep. Mark Green. This election is set for Dec. 2 and would give Republicans a slight reprieve heading into the new year. A Republican victory would help Johnson back up to a two-seat margin.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n