After a bruising defeat for Republicans last week, Representative August Pfluger (R-TX) is looking ahead to the party’s next chapter, emphasizing the need to regroup, rebuild voter confidence and prepare for a Democratic-controlled House.
This week, Republicans selected a new group of leaders to rally the party and establish its priorities ahead of the next Congress, which will also welcome the largest class of progressive Democrats in history.
In an interview with Texas Politics, Rep. Pfluger said he is “excited” about what the future holds.
“Our conference is going to be strong,” he said. “Our conference is going to be led by great people.”
Rep. Pfluger and other Republicans have stressed the need for the party to reckon with why it lost voters’ support in the midterm elections. Americans want to know their concerns are being heard, he said.
“We’re gonna regroup, get off the map, and keep fighting for America,” Rep. Pfluger said.
The Texas congressman added that “it’s tough” for Republicans to rebuild confidence as a large group of progressive Democrats prepares to take office in January.
“This is really front and center of our minds: how to protect against an anti-America agenda,” he said.
In the days following the election, House Democrats have signaled that their top priorities next Congress will include addressing voters’ concerns about affordability and corruption, efforts that are expected to involve investigations into the Trump administration.
“They’ve told us what their game plan is,” Rep. Pfluger said.
Republican leadership and lawmakers are addressing these concerns, Rep. Pfluger said, but added that the party still has a long road ahead before it can reclaim the House majority.
“There are a lot of discussions that need to happen in the coming days,” he said. “I think communicating what we stand for and who we are is important.”
