The post-election dominoes of President Donald Trump’s administration picks and a California Democratic appointment have created five openings in the United States House of Representatives, and that means five special elections in the coming months.

Republicans are defending four GOP-leaning seats — in Georgia, Montana, South Carolina and Kansas. In the Kansas Fourth District, a special election is scheduled April 11. Incumbent Representative Mike Pompeo was chosen by President Donald Trump as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

During their parties’ special conventions, the Republicans nominated State Treasurer Ron Estes, while Democratic Party leaders chose James Thompson.

It will take some Democratic Party upsets for this trial heat for 2018 to dent GOP control of the House, where Republicans have a 237-193 edge.

Republicans say the four open GOP seats put pressure on Democrats to prove they can capitalize on widespread opposition to Trump. Democrats counter that it’s merely a free opportunity to pick up a seat, maybe two, before next year’s elections.

(Staff and wire reports)