Swing-District House GOP Silent on Trump Conviction

According to the Hill, more than half of the 17 House Republicans in districts won by President Joe Biden in 2020 have yet to comment on Donald Trump’s conviction.

Trump made history by becoming the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes. A New York jury found him guilty on all 34 charges related to illegally influencing the 2016 election through hush money payments to a porn actor.

Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., acknowledged the challenges facing swing-district Republicans like himself, stating, “Everybody has to do what they think is wise. I don’t know if there’s a right or wrong answer. Everybody has to do it their own way and make their own judgment.”

Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, R-Ore., issued a statement in response to the verdict but avoided mentioning it directly. She emphasized the importance of focusing on issues affecting Oregon families, such as high prices, violent crime, and border security.

Several other Republicans, including Reps. Mike Garcia, Michelle Steel, David Valadao, John Duarte, Young Kim, Tom Kean Jr., Brian Fitzpatrick, and David Schweikert, have also refrained from commenting.