House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s stunning primary loss Tuesday night will reshape the landscape not only within the Republican caucus but on K Street as well. As Dave Brat, his primary challenger, highlighted in his campaign, Mr. Cantor had a close relationship with business lobbying groups like the Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtable.
What’s less widely appreciated is how the defeat of Mr. Cantor — once seen as the next speaker of the House — will ripple through the ranks of Washington lobbyists, who often trade on their connections to the powerful politicians for whom they once worked. Former Cantor staff members are likely to find that they are less attractive to outside interests seeking influence on Capitol Hill.