There was a first-day-of-school energy on Capitol Hill as members of Congress took their oaths and Speaker Mike Johnson fought for his job.

© Eric Lee/The New York Times

Representative Abigail Spanberger of Virginia, the only Democrat in a leadership position to leave Congress this year, talked about her party, her competitive district, and what the Trump era has in store.

© Kenny Holston/The New York Times

Representative Abigail Spanberger of Virginia, the only Democrat in a leadership position to leave Congress this year, talked about her party, her competitive district, and what the Trump era has in store.

© Kenny Holston/The New York Times

​My year-end awards in politics for hottest kingmaker, biggest flash in the pan, top mean girl, most disappointing draft pick and more.