Washington is headed for a major reset. Democrats won control of both the House and Senate, setting up a divided government for the final two years of President Trump’s term. The margins were wide: Democrats flipped Senate seats from Iowa to Texas and are on track for a substantial House majority. A few races are still being counted, but we already know this will be one of the biggest turnovers, and largest class of brand new legislators, in decades. It also means new committee chairs, a different legislative agenda, and greater scrutiny of the administration.
For the ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, and science communities, the transition reaches into nearly every part of federal engagement: from who writes agency budgets to who questions nominees and decides which bills get a hearing. Organizations and advocates have an opening to help shape those priorities as the next Congress takes form.
New gavels, different priorities
Democratic majorities will gain the authority to set hearing agendas, advance legislation, and investigate agency decisions. In the Senate, they will also control which executive and judicial nominees receive floor consideration. Those powers give the incoming Congress significant influence over the administration, even if agreement on policy priorities differ.
For ocean interests, that could bring greater attention to agency staffing, research capacity, grant delivery, and the implementation of federal programs. Groups that can document the consequences of those decisions will have useful evidence for congressional offices preparing questions, hearings, and funding proposals.
Affordability will also compete for early attention. Ocean and coastal priorities have a concrete place in that conversation: seafood supports food supplies and jobs, ocean information helps vessels operate safely and efficiently, and coastal infrastructure protects communities and keeps commerce moving. But new Members of Congress and staff won’t necessarily make those connections on their own; clarifying those benefits as national concerns will help make the case for action.
Bipartisan ocean coalitions will need new champions
The change in majority also brings the loss of Republican lawmakers who helped build bipartisan support for ocean and coastal priorities. Reps. Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02) helped lead the Chesapeake Bay WATERS Act (H.R.6893), which passed the House this fall and supports NOAA’s work on Bay restoration, observations, fisheries, and environmental education. Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02) was the lead Republican on the Coastal Trust Fund Act (H.R.7459) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) was a major champion for working waterfronts, fishermen, and ocean science and community engagement programs like Sea Grant. Their departures mean legislation and funding priorities will need new Republican advocates, even with Democrats controlling both chambers. Returning lawmakers and incoming members representing coastal communities offer opportunities to rebuild that support, but those relationships, and familiarity with the programs, will take time to develop.
Coastal voices gain influence in Senate spending
With Sen. Susan Collins’s (R-ME) loss and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) retiring, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is in line to become the Senate Appropriations Committee’s top Republican. Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) is positioned to become Chair. That would put two experienced coastal-state senators at the center of spending negotiations.
The Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee faces its own succession question. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) is seeking the top Democratic position on the Judiciary Committee following Sen. Dick Durbin’s (D-IL) retirement. If he moves, Democrats will need a new EPW leader, with Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Ed Markey (D-MA) mentioned as possible successors.
The leadership contests matter, too
Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08) is positioned to become Speaker of the House, pending the full House vote in January. Current Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) will not seek to lead House Republicans in the minority, opening a contest involving Reps. Steve Scalise (R-LA-01) and Jim Jordan (R-OH-04). In the Senate, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is positioned to return as Majority Leader, with current Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) expected to lead Republicans. These leaders will determine which proposals make it from committee work to the floor, and which become priorities in negotiations between the chambers and with the White House. For ocean interests, securing a committee champion is only part of the work; legislation also needs leadership support and scarce floor time. With President Trump retaining veto authority, bipartisan backing and a workable agreement with the administration will remain essential.
Two Congresses, overlapping work
The election does not finish the outgoing Congress’ business. Advocates will need to keep near-term funding and legislative priorities moving while preparing for the 120th Congress. That means deciding which proposals still have a path forward this year, which will need to be reintroduced next Congress, and where new champions are needed. It also means preparing the evidence behind the next funding request: what a program or initiative delivers, who depends on it, and what changes in federal support would mean locally. Implementation belongs in that discussion. A funding level tells only part of the story. Staffing, grant timelines, and agency capacity determine whether federal investments deliver results on the ground and on the water.
The opportunity starts before January
The transition over the next few months offers an important opportunity to sustain existing support while building new relationships. Departing champions leave behind years of expertise and relationships, returning lawmakers may take on new responsibilities, and incoming members are assembling their teams and setting priorities. Early engagement provides an opportunity to educate members and their staff about the programs, partnerships, and issues that matter to their constituents before competing demands fill the 2027 congressional calendar.
ESP Advisors will be tracking the leadership contests, committee assignments, and funding negotiations that turn election results into governing decisions. With relationships across both parties, both chambers, and the executive branch, we help clients identify where to act and build a strategy to move their priorities forward. As committee rosters are announced, we’ll be briefing clients on what the new lineups mean for their programs and priorities.
The next Congress is taking shape now. Let’s talk about where your priorities fit and how ESP can help make them a reality.
