Democrats eye key House committees as midterms approach, opening doors for new health policy influence

Dozens of Democrats are competing for seats on the House Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means committees as they anticipate winning back control of the chamber.

Several incumbents from both parties are either retiring or facing close races. If Republicans lose the House, many of the departing Republican members are expected to be replaced by Democrats rather than GOP colleagues.

Both committees wield broad authority over health care legislation and pharmaceutical regulation, so new Democratic members could significantly influence future policy directions.