Skip to content

One Mike, two Mike, red Mike, blue Mike

Political Theater, Episode 119

Meet the Mikes: From left, Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., Rep. Michael Bost, R-Ill., and Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., talk in the Rayburn Room in the Capitol last month.
Meet the Mikes: From left, Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., Rep. Michael Bost, R-Ill., and Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif., talk in the Rayburn Room in the Capitol last month. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

What’s in a name? Well, plenty. For instance, there are 24 men named Mike in Congress. It’s the most popular name there, followed closely by John. To put that into context, there are more men named Mike than there are Republican congresswomen.

What does data like this tell us about Congress? Glad you asked! Heard on the Hill reporter Clyde McGrady and CQ Roll Call data solutions editor George LeVines join this episode of the Political Theater podcast to talk about their project on the most popular names in Congress.

Show Notes:

Recent Stories

DOGE attempt at GAO is ‘intrusion’ into legislative branch, Dems say

Supreme Court rules US tried to deport migrants too quickly

Nap-itol Hill — Congressional Hits and Misses

Weekend do-over planned for ‘big, beautiful’ budget package

Q&A on Trump’s prescription drug pricing executive order

Photos of the week | May 9-15, 2025