New House members say affordability, holding Trump administration accountable are top priorities

November 8, 2026 / 5:23 PM EST / CBS News

Newly elected House members arrived in Washington on Sunday for orientation, and freshman lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say they want to focus on lowering the cost of living for Americans following the seismic midterm election that shifted control of both chambers to the Democrats.

CBS News spoke with several Democratic representatives-elect who say their priority is making life affordable for the American people, but they also plan to hold the Trump administration accountable.

"We can walk and chew gum, but lowering people's cost of living is the most important," said Scott Wiener, who was elected to succeed Nancy Pelosi in California's 11th Congressional District.

As for House Republicans who have suddenly found themselves a minority despite a historic effort to redraw several states' congressional districts in their favor, they say the party has to figure out a way forward.

"There was a message sent last Tuesday night, and I hope, as a new member, I can be on the ground level of figuring out how we can reconnect and better message to the needs of the American people," GOP Rep.-elect Chris Stigall of Missouri's 6th Congressional District…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/entertainment/