House Republicans believe they are gaining momentum after a terrible week for Democrats and a strong one for President Trump.
GOP lawmakers are becoming optimistic they have a chance to pick up seats or even win back the majority in November.
Taking back the House would require picking up at least 18 seats and would be a tough climb, but Republicans say the turmoil in the Democratic Party and a strong economy bolstering Trump give them reasons for optimism.
Spirits were running high during the House Republican Conference meeting Wednesday morning — on the heels of Monday’s disastrous Iowa Democratic caucuses and Tuesday night’s State of the Union address and just ahead of Trump’s impeachment acquittal in the Senate — with some members saying they feel better positioned than they have in recent months.
A senior GOP aide who attended the meeting said Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas) told colleagues, “Let’s do what we’ve been doing, stay on message and we’ll get the majority back.”
Republicans felt even more rejuvenated following Trump’s remarks at the White House on Thursday celebrating his acquittal, when he gave enthusiastic shoutouts to his congressional allies such as House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and vowed to help them win back the House.
