Blair sworn in, narrowing GOP House majority

Dr. Everton EJ Blair Jr. was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, by Speaker Mike Johnson, becoming Georgia's first openly gay congressman. The 34-year-old Democrat won a special election on August 19 to complete the term of the late Representative David Scott, who died in April at age 80. Blair will serve only until January, as he did not win the Democratic primary for the full term, which was secured by State Representative Jasmine Clark. Blair's swearing-in narrowed the Republican majority in the House to 218-213. The GOP's advantage will shrink further once California Democrat Aisha Wahab is sworn in later this week to replace former Representative Eric Swalwell. The rapid swearing-in of two Democrats contrasts with Speaker Johnson's past practice of delaying the seating of opposition members. In his speech on the House floor, Blair thanked his parents for their support and outlined his priorities. "My mandate here is clear. I will do everything in my capacity to make life more affordable for the hardworking Americans in Georgia's 13th Congressional District," he said.