Democratic leaders blindsided by two members who bailed out Johnson 

House Democrats faced an unexpected setback as two party members defected to join Republicans in passing a package of GOP-backed bills aimed at shaping the political narrative ahead of the midterm elections. The crossover came without warning, leaving Democratic leadership, including the whip, unaware of the move in advance. The defection highlights internal divisions within the party as lawmakers navigate election-year strategy. The surprise vote underscores how even closely aligned members can break ranks on key legislative efforts.

House Democratic leaders were blindsided by the two rank-and-file members who crossed the aisle on Tuesday to help Republicans advance a series of GOP messaging bills heading into the midterm elections. Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), the Democratic whip, said she received no advance notice from either Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) or Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez...