New York Rep. Joseph Crowley’s primary loss on Tuesday sent shock waves through the political system. But the House Democratic Caucus chairman’s defeat was far from the first time a congressional leader’s career has been abruptly halted by the voters.It was just four years ago Virginia Republicans elevated a little-known economics professor named Dave Brat over Eric Cantor, the House majority leader. Like Crowley, Cantor was viewed as a strong contender to some day be speaker. These two men do represent something of a new trend, though: leaders losing primaries. The most recent examples of leaders losing has typically happened in the general election. Pelosi Praises Crowley and His Concession Following Primary Defeat[jwp-video n="1"]Here’s a breakdown of the leaders who have seen the voters halt their leadership careers in the legislative branch. Of note: Despite dire predictions of leadership vacuums overtaking the party suffering the loss, someone always takes the defeated’s place. Rep. Joseph Crowley, D-N.Y.First Elected: 1998 general electionHighest Leadership Position: House Democratic Caucus ChairmanElectoral Loss: Primary, June 26, 2018, to Alexandria Ocasio-CortezReplaced in Leadership Ranks by: ?Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va.First Elected: 2000 general electionHighest Leadership Position: House Majority LeaderElectoral Loss: Primary, June 10, 2014, to Dave BratReplaced in Leadership Ranks by: Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.Sen. Tom Daschle, D-S.D.First Elected: House, 1978 general election; Senate, 1986 general electionHighest Leadership Position: Senate Majority Leader, but was Minority Leader at time of lossElectoral Loss: General, November 2004, to Republican John ThuneReplaced in Leadership Ranks by: Harry Reid, D-Nev.Rep. Thomas S. Foley, D-Wash.First Elected: 1964 general electionHighest Leadership Position: Speaker of the HouseElectoral Loss: General, November 1994, to Republican George NethercuttReplaced in Leadership Ranks by: Richard A. Gephardt, D-Mo.Rep. John Brademas, D-Ind.First Elected: 1958 general electionHighest Leadership Position: House Majority WhipElectoral Loss: General, November 1980, to Republican John HilerReplaced in Leadership Ranks by: Thomas S. Foley, D-Wash.Correction 4:45 p.m. | An earlier version of this story misstated the first name of Rep. John Brademas.
