Republicans tap NC's Hudson to lead House fundraising committee

Hudson has been in the U.S. House since 2013, where he’s steadily risen up the GOP ladder and currently serves in House leadership as the Republican Conference Secretary.

The Republican, who represents Fort Bragg and has long campaigned on immigration and veterans affairs issues, said in a statement that the vote came unanimously. He also vowed to rein in what he considered wasteful government spending and work to expand GOP margins in 2024.

“The American people have just entrusted House Republicans with a majority to be the last line of defense in stopping the disastrous Biden administration and saving our country from out-of-control spending, inflation, energy prices, crime and an open southern border,” Hudson said in the statement. “Working together with our leadership team and entire conference, I am confident we can build on our successes and learn from missed opportunities to expand our majority in 2024.”

Republicans were one U.S. House seat away from retaking control of the chamber Tuesday. A dozen races remained uncalled by The Associated Press by 6:45 p.m. If Hudson’s party gains control, Hudson would be among the top party leaders in line of succession.

Regardless, the national red wave Republicans were seeking didn’t materialize. Democrats will remain in control of the U.S. Senate and they surpassed expectations in the U.S. House. Biden said Wednesday that the results show voters want elected officials in both parties to work together to address their economic concerns.

“Regardless of what the final tally in these elections show … I’m prepared to work with my Republican colleagues,” Biden said in a speech the day after the Nov. 8 election. “The American people have made clear, I think, that they expect Republicans to be prepared to work with me as well.”

As the leader of the NRCC, Hudson’s top responsibility will be to expand what is expected to be a slim GOP majority in the U.S. House. He’ll do so through financially supporting candidates in competitive races.

In North Carolina, Democrats had a strong showing at the congressional level, winning in half of the 14 U.S. House seats up for grabs. While a new voting map in North Carolina could net Republicans a handful of seats, many other states have firm voting lines for the remainder of the decade.

The 2024 election is already on Republicans’ minds as party leaders assess the future direction the GOP should take. Some have pointed to defeats of further right candidates as a reason to shy away from former President Donald Trump. Others, however, have voiced concern with more establishment Republicans for the lackluster results.

Candidate quality comes into focus as NC Republicans reflect on missed opportunities in Congress

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida on Tuesday said he’d challenge U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell as his party’s chamber leader. “We must start saying what we are for, not just what we are against,” Scott wrote in a letter to his GOP colleagues on Monday.

On the House side, Republicans are also internally divided. U.S. House Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida said he wouldn’t vote to allow U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California to serve as the next Speaker of the House. Other members have also questioned whether McCarthy should lead the chamber. Razor-thin GOP majorities could dampen the California congressman’s prospects.