ELECTION/GOP/HOUSE OF REPS/TRUMP AS PRESIDENT/TRUMP PEOPLE: “House Republicans have seen a recent string of retirements ahead of the 2020 elections, a not entirely surprising outcome now that the GOP is in the minority but still a hurdle for the party seeking to retake control of the House. This year, eight Republicans have announced their decisions to retire — six of whom made their declarations in the past two weeks alone. While most of those districts are reliably red, three are considered vulnerable — those represented by retiring Reps. Susan Brooks in Indiana, Pete Olson in Texas and Will Hurd in Texas. Hurd announced his decision Thursday [8-1-19] night in a surprising statement. Separately, another Republican, Rep. Greg Gianforte of Montana, is running for governor of the state, leaving his seat open, as well. And for a party whose congressional representation has becoming increasingly white and male, some of the departures could worsen the lack of diversity in the House. Hurd, who’s been an outspoken critic of Trump, is the sole black Republican in the chamber.”
–Ashley Killough and Clare Foran, “Hurd announcement latest House GOP retirement to roll in,” CNN Politics, CNN.com, August 1, 2019 6:20 pm