"11 Key Lawmakers to Watch in the New Congress"

These rank-and-file members from both parties in the closely divided House could play a significant role in shaping the national debate at the start of the new Trump administration.

Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., and Don Bacon, R-Neb., will play important roles in the new Congress.

Jan. 3, 2025, 5:00 PM GMT+6

WASHINGTON — The incoming Congress ushers in a new group of lawmakers to Capitol Hill as Republicans officially take control of both chambers on Friday, marking the beginning of the second Trump administration. With a razor-thin Republican majority in the House—219-215—achieving anything without Democratic cooperation will require near-total unity. This dynamic gives rank-and-file lawmakers, especially those without leadership or committee positions, a powerful voice in national debates. Members from competitive districts, ideologically driven figures, and newly elected freshmen are poised to play an outsized role.

Here are 11 key House members to watch in the 119th Congress.

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas
Known for his fiery floor speeches, the ultraconservative congressman is often outspoken in criticizing compromises by Republican leaders. Roy is not afraid to vote against bills that fail to meet his high standards, and he’s eager for a more significant role in the second Trump administration. He could become a regular challenge for House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Trump.

Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky.
A Kentucky libertarian, Massie stands apart from many of his colleagues by refusing to follow Trump’s directives. Alongside Roy, he was one of the few House Republicans who did not endorse Trump in last year’s GOP presidential primary, instead supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Massie has also been vocal in opposing Johnson’s bid for Speaker, calling out the GOP leadership.

Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md.
As chairman of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, Harris is a key player in the conservative wing of the new administration. His role is pivotal in shaping how the Freedom Caucus will influence policy. Will he back Trump’s agenda and rally votes in his favor, or will Harris lead the bloc in pressuring Trump from the right, particularly on issues like spending and trade?

Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb.
A retired Air Force brigadier general, Bacon has been at the center of several competitive elections in Omaha, Nebraska, a Democratic stronghold in an otherwise red state. Known for his moderate approach, he has fended off challenges from both the left and the right. After narrowly winning re-election in 2024, Bacon and other moderates will play a significant role as the "conscience" of the narrow GOP majority.

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y.
A former political consultant and member of the New York Assembly, Lawler won a contentious race in a Democratic-leaning district. He is considering a run for governor in 2026, with his decision dependent on how well the new Congress handles the country’s challenges. Lawler’s actions in the first few months could shape his political future.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa.
Representing the swingy Philadelphia suburbs, Fitzpatrick has earned a reputation as a moderate, winning difficult races with his bipartisan appeal. A former FBI agent, he has navigated the tricky balance between loyalty to his party and maintaining an image of independence. The next two years will be critical for his career.

Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine
A former Marine and veteran, Golden has defied political trends by securing a fourth term in a district that Trump won in 2024. Known for occasionally criticizing his own party, he has supported certain Republican measures to demonstrate his independence. The extent to which he will continue to break with his party remains to be seen.

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash.
Gluesenkamp Perez represents a rural district in southwest Washington that Trump won in 2024. She has also called on her party to focus more on rural, working-class voters. Known for occasionally siding with Republicans, she recently supported a Trump-backed measure to fund the government, positioning herself as a swing vote in the House.

Rep. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y.
Suozzi returned to Congress after winning a special election in early 2024, flipping his Long Island-based district, which supported Biden in 2020 but backed Trump in 2024. Suozzi has been vocal about addressing issues like border security and immigration, which align with Trump’s priorities and are likely to spark debate in Washington.

Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas
A 35-year-old progressive from Austin, Casar has emerged as a leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, representing the resistance to Trump’s agenda. Casar has been critical of his own party for losing touch with working-class Americans, urging Democrats to focus on issues like wages and economic inequality as they face off against Trump’s cultural battles.

Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, D-Del.
McBride will make history as the first openly transgender member of Congress. Already a top target for Republicans, she has drawn criticism from some conservative figures, including Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., for her stance on transgender rights. McBride has called such attacks a distraction and has advocated for focusing on policy issues, positioning herself as a key figure for Democratic leaders aiming to shift away from culture wars and towards economic concerns during the second Trump term.