WASHINGTON–When the House of Representatives returns on Jan. 3, 2025, to begin the 119th Congress for a two-year term, Republicans will start out with a narrow majority. Though the party won 220 seats in the House, giving them a three-seat margin over the majority mark of 218, this number is set to decline in January. The drop in seats could imperil the GOP’s ability to pass legislation and, possibly, flip control of the House to the Democratic Party. Below are the expected vacancies in the House, as well as the process for filling them. Florida’s 1st District This district, covering most of the Florida panhandle, was represented by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) for seven years—until Nov. 13, 2024. On that day, Gaetz resigned from office following the announcement that President-elect Donald Trump had nominated him to serve as U.S. Attorney General in the incoming administration. While supported by some conservatives, the nomination was also met with some bipartisan criticism, given allegations of misconduct against Gaetz contained in a House Ethics Committee report. Opposition from GOP senators necessary for confirmation led Gaetz to withdraw from consideration a week later….