2026 hasn’t even begun yet and some three dozen House members are already heading for the exits. That’s how unpleasant it’s become to serve in the House of Representatives these days.
Six of those members — all Democrats — are in their 70s and 80s, retiring after long tenures in politics.
But the vast majority of departing members are leaving to seek another office and continue their political careers outside of the House.
Another four, Reps. Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas), Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Jared Golden (D-Maine), are retiring relatively young, between the ages of 43 and 62.
“The thought of doing this for two more years is not appealing. I’ve got time in my life to do a third career,” Bacon said.
The disappearing middle. Bacon and Golden are two of the most prominent moderates in the House and they repeatedly survived brutal reelection battles in tough districts. These days, anyone in the middle is taking incoming from both sides in an increasingly polarized country.
“After 10 years, it’s just enough,” Bacon said. “I’ve got crazies on the right, crazies on the left.”
Golden announced his retirement last week in a long op-ed, lambasting the “increasing incivility and plain nastiness” in politics.
“I don’t fear losing,” the Maine Democrat wrote. “What has become apparent to me is that I now dread the prospect of winning.”
When asked if any of his colleagues had shared that they agreed with what he wrote, Golden said: “Many, but I’m not naming names.”
Higher ambitions. Twenty-five of the three dozen retirees are seeking another office. On the Democratic side, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) will resign next week after winning election as New Jersey’s next governor. And her colleagues in New Hampshire, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois and Massachusetts are leaving the House to run for Senate.
All but three of the 21 Republicans are retiring to run statewide, which is a stunning statistic. House GOP members are running for governor in Arizona, Florida, Tennessee, Michigan, Iowa, South Dakota, South Carolina, New York and Wisconsin. Other Republican members are making Senate bids in Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Iowa and Texas.
Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) is leaving his central Texas seat to run for Texas attorney general.
We’ll note that retirements aren’t unusual. No one stays in Congress forever, although it may seem that way. But the sheer number of members, especially on the GOP side, leaving safe House seats for a shot at serving in a different office is notable.
