We asked OAAA’s Mike Hershey for his perspective on the 2024 elections and what it means for our industry in 2025. Took a few weeks because of some tight races, which finalized this week and who President Elect Trump was naming for key positions. Below, Mike outlines changes in the make-up of Congress and the federal government.
U.S. House
Just last week, the last U.S. House race was officially declared. After a month-long ballot review process, a California congressional seat was decided by less than 200 votes.
That result confirms a 220 – 215 majority for House Republicans in 2025 and 2026.
We entered the election cycle with a 220 – 212 Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
After two years of congressional redistricting battles and lawsuits, and with 63 newly elected Members, we landed remarkably right back at where we started.
U.S. Senate
The biggest change occurred in the U.S. Senate.
Ten new Senators were elected, with the last of those races officially declared just three weeks ago, after a statewide recount.
Senate Democrats currently control the U.S. Senate 51 – 49, but Republicans will have a 53 – 47 majority over the next two years.
That means Senate Republicans will chair committees, set policy direction, and control the judicial and Cabinet nomination process.
Congressional Committees
There are several congressional committees that we follow and work closely with.
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (WV) and Rep. Sam Graves (MO) are positioned to chair key committees in the Senate and House, respectively. Both have a very good understanding of our industry and will play a key role in the development of federal transportation policies.
Administration
The change in presidential administrations means new executive leadership at federal agencies. Of obvious interest to us is the U.S. Dept. of Transportation (DOT) and several DOT sub-agencies.
Former Rep. Sean Duffy (WI) was announced as the nominee for DOT Secretary. After the Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2025, his nomination will become official and is subject to Senate confirmation. Duffy served in the U.S. House for nine years through 2019, representing a northwestern Wisconsin based district.
Any announcement on new leaders at DOT sub-agencies, such as the Federal Highway Administration, will likely occur early next year.
To receive a free morning newsletter with each day’s Billboard insider articles email info@billboardinsider.com with the word “Subscribe” in the title. Our newsletter is free and we don’t sell our subscriber list.
Paid Advertisement
