How often do Members of Congress switch parties?
Not very often. In the last few years, only one Senator has switched parties. Senator James Jeffords switched from being a Republican to being an Independent aligned with the Democrats. In the House, since January 1, 1999, one Republican became a Democrat (Michael Forbes, NY, was who defeated for re-election in 2000) and one Democrat became an Independent who later officially became a Republican (Virgil Goode, VA, who was re-elected).
Not very often. In the last few years, only one Senator has switched parties. Senator James Jeffords switched from being a Republican to being an Independent aligned with the Democrats. In 2006, Senator Joe Lieberman lost his primary election, but ran successfully as an independent. He has chosen to caucus with the Democrats. In the House, since January 1, 1999, one Republican became a Democrat (Michael Forbes, NY, was who defeated for re-election in 2000) and one Democrat became an Independent who later officially became a Republican (Virgil Goode, VA, who was re-elected).
