”Engaged and energized”: Why some candidates want to serve in a dysfunctional Congress

Plus: the latest on the Senate border talks, House Democrats sound off against Republican extremism on abortion and House GOP formalizes the Biden impeachment probe.

Rep. Suzan DelBene, who heads up the House Democrats’ campaign arm, told me that despite the dysfunction in the House this year, Democratic candidates are running to defend “our rights, our freedoms and our democracy.” Photo by Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call

👋🏾 Hi, hey, hello! Welcome back to Once Upon a Hill, a new in-depth and independent newsletter about Congress, campaigns, politics and more.

Happy belated birthday to my mom, whom I lovingly call Wonder Woman and whose special day was Wednesday—between the last edition and this one.

Reminder: Once Upon a Hill will be on break while Congress is in recess. As you’ll read below, the Senate has delayed the start of its vacation, so you may hear from me if major news breaks. Otherwise, I plan to unplug and prep for a bonkers campaign season and its impact on the body politic. I’ll officially return to your inbox on Jan. 8, 2024—11 days before another government funding deadline, so you know that’ll be fun. Until then, be good to yourself. Happy Holidays!

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First Things First

With the retirement announcements of Reps. Wiley Nickel (D-N.C.) and Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.) on Thursday, 40 members of Congress—seven senators and 33 House members—have decided not to seek reelection next year.

With all these members leaving, I wondered: Why would anyone want to come to Congress?

I asked Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), who, in her role as chair of the House Democrats’ campaign arm, is responsible for recruiting candidates and getting them elected.