Discussing why an increasing amount of House Democrats are choosing not to seek reelection ahead of the 2022 midterms, former Rep. Sean Duffy, R-Wis., believes that Democrats are expecting to lose in a “bloodbath.”
In early January, NPR reported that a total of 26 Democrats have announced their plans to no longer hold office within the House of Representatives.
Now, almost two weeks later, two more House Democrats have chosen to conclude their tenure in Congress.
On Tuesday, Reps. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., and Jerry McNerney, D-Calif., notified the public of their decision to forego campaign season. Democrats currently hold a thin majority in the House, but the retirement of 28 party members sets the stage for Republican “takeover.”
Referencing the popularity between the Democrat Party and the GOP, Duffy said that Democrats had a “nine-point” lead over Republicans. However, the pendulum has shifted, “Today, Republicans have a five-point lead over Democrats,” said Duffy.
Differentiating between Democrats in “moderate seats,” and “safe seats,” Duffy stated that the moderates are jumping ship for a new “career change,” before they “lose that race.” Focusing on safe-seat Democrats, Duffy believes that they are in for a rude awakening if the Republicans regain power of the House. “Democrats have been so abusive to the minority, to Republicans,” said Duffy.
He added Democrats understand that it’s going to be “absolutely horrible,” when they’re in the minority, because Republicans are going to return the treatment in similar fashion.
Duffy is a former athlete and an ally of President Donald Trump. In a released newsletter in October, Trump urged Duffy to consider running for governor of Wisconsin, calling him a “champion athlete,” and “virtually unbeatable.” However, Duffy declined the opportunity to run for governor citing his desire to focus on his family at this point in life.
Duffy may not be gearing up for a political contest, but he is forewarning the nation of the upcoming “red tsunami” that is “going to crash upon our shores.”