STAT+: Dozens of Democrats vie for slots on key House health committees

Next year will be a crucial time for health policy, from Medicaid to FDA’s funding Kent NISHIMURA / AFP via Getty Images Oct. 8, 2026 John Wilkerson, a Washington correspondent, is the author of D.C. Diagnosis, a twice-weekly newsletter about the politics and policy of health and medicine. John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John_Wilkerson.07. WASHINGTON — Two powerful House committees with jurisdiction over health care policies are expected to get several fresh faces after the midterms. The combined impact of a potential wave election and multiple departing lawmakers could open up plenty of seats on the Energy and Commerce and Way and Means committees. Similar jockeying is going on for key Senate committee roles, as STAT previously reported. The new cast of characters will mean that lobbyists will be busy visiting the offices of lawmakers with which they might not have had much interaction. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe John writes about the politics of health care, and he is the author of the twice-weekly D.C. Diagnosis newsletter. You can reach John on Signal at John_Wilkerson.07.