Dec 17, 2019

Rep. Mark Walker eyes Richard Burr's Senate seat after redistricting

Rebecca Falconer

Mark Walker speaks to the media in Washington, D.C., in 2018. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call

Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.) told the Durham Herald-Sun Monday he won't run for office next year and he's "moving toward" a U.S. Senate bid in 2022, when Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-N.C.) is expected to retire.

Why it matters: State lawmakers passed a new congressional map following a corruption scandal that's left Walker's district in a predominantly Democratic area and he'd likely lose his seat in 2020, per the Raleigh News & Observer.

Go deeper: Republicans are worried about their worst nightmare: a 2020 election wipeout

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Ben Geman

Democrats prep climate legislation in case of 2020 breakthrough

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

There's no chance of big climate legislation moving these days, but 2020 is nonetheless a crucial year for Democrats hoping those odds change post-election.

Driving the news: House Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats will unveil sweeping draft legislation this month. And by the end of March, the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis is slated to unveil its own policy recommendations.

Go deeperArrowJan 7, 2020
Jacob Knutson

The members of Congress departing in 2020

Photo: Mark Makela/Getty Images

More Republicans than Democrats are exiting Congress in the lead up to the 2020 elections. Twenty-six GOP representatives and four senators are retiring without bids for higher office, compared to five Democratic representatives and one senator.

Driving the news: Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) submitted his letter of resignation, effective Jan. 13, after pleading guilty last month to misusing campaign funds.

Go deeperArrowUpdated Jan 8, 2020 - Politics & Policy
Jacob Knutson

Senate confirms North Korea envoy as Pompeo's new deputy

Photo: Andreas Gora/Pool/Getty Images

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Stephen Biegun, the current U.S. special representative for North Korea, as deputy secretary of state with a 90-3 vote, AP reports.

Why it matters: The confirmation ensures a line of succession for the head of the State Department should Mike Pompeo resign to run for Kansas' open Senate seat in 2020, as many have speculated he will. Pompeo has repeatedly denied that he will run.

Go deeperArrowDec 19, 2019