A Congressional Exodus: Why So Many House Members Are Calling It Quits Before 2026

By: Paul Miller, Legislative Counsel, The Transportation Alliance

2026 hasn’t even arrived yet, but Capitol Hill is already bracing for a mass departure. Nearly three dozen House members have announced they are heading for the exits — a striking indicator of just how rough the political climate in the House of Representatives has become.

While turnover is nothing new in Congress, the scale and substance of this year’s exodus tell a deeper story about burnout, ambition, and the increasingly untenable nature of serving in the House.

Aging Out — But Only a Few

Of the departing lawmakers, only six are leaving after long political careers. These members — all Democrats in their 70s and 80s — represent the more traditional congressional retirement: decades of service culminating in a graceful exit. But they’re outliers.

A Wave of Ambition

Most of the departing members aren’t retiring from public life at all. Instead, they’re leaving to pursue higher office, signaling a growing sentiment: for many politicians, the House has become less a destination and more a stepping stone — or in some cases, an obstacle.

A remarkable 25 out of the roughly three dozen lawmakers leaving this cycle are running for another office.

On the Democratic side, Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey is resigning next week after winning her race for governor. Others in New Hampshire, Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, and Massachusetts are also leaving their seats behind to launch Senate campaigns.

Republicans Are Bolting for the States

What’s especially stunning is the trend among Republicans. Of the 21 GOP members stepping down, all but three are running statewide — an almost unprecedented pattern.

Republican House members are seeking governor’s mansions in:

• Arizona

• Florida

• Tennessee

• Michigan

• Iowa

• South Dakota

• South Carolina

• New York

• Wisconsin

  
  

Meanwhile, others are launching Senate bids in:

• Kentucky

• Georgia

• Alabama

• Iowa

• Texas

  
  

And Rep. Chip Roy is leaving his Texas congressional seat to run for state attorney general.

Younger Lawmakers Are Calling It Quits, Too

Another striking detail: age isn’t the deciding factor anymore. Reps. Morgan Luttrell, Jodey Arrington, Don Bacon, and Jared Golden — all between 43 and 62 — are opting out of House life. Their departures reinforce a growing sense that the chamber’s increasing dysfunction, shrinking influence, and exhausting pace are pushing even mid-career members to seek a different path.

Why It Matters

Turnover is inevitable — no one stays in Congress forever. But the volume and profile of these exits are unusual. Many of the departing Republicans represent safe seats, meaning they’re giving up secure reelection prospects for a shot at a different role.

The message is clear: the U.S. House of Representatives is becoming a less appealing place to serve, even for ambitious, influential, and relatively young members.

Whether this trend reshapes Congress for the better or accelerates instability remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — when this many lawmakers head for the door at once, the rest of Washington takes notice.

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