US EditionHouse Republicans flee Congress in record numbers amid growing dysfunction
A record 36 House Republicans are retiring or seeking other offices, posing challenges for Speaker Mike Johnson to maintain GOP's narrow majority amid political and legislative pressures.
- Representative Sam Graves, a Missouri Republican, announced this week his intent to retire, bringing the total number of House Republicans departing to 36. This record-setting exodus tests Speaker Mike Johnson's ability to hold his majority ahead of the 2026 midterms.
- Graves cited a desire to "pass the torch and allow a new guard" to lead, joining a wave exceeding the 34 Republican retirements in 2018. Lawmakers frequently cite legislative gridlock and personal commitments as reasons for leaving.
- Of the departing members, 10 Republicans are running for governor, including David Schweikert of Arizona, Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin, and Nancy Mace of South Carolina. Barry Moore of Alabama seeks a Senate seat instead.
- Speaker Johnson faces persistent attendance issues on Capitol Hill as departing members prioritize campaigns over legislative duties. GOP leaders delayed a war powers vote in January until Representative Wesley Hunt arrived.
- While 21 House Democrats are not seeking reelection, the Republican exodus remains notably lopsided. This turnover complicates the party's effort to defend the majority secured in 2024 as historical midterm trends suggest losses.
12 Articles
12 Articles
The Independent
The Independent (US)Democrats could win House as Republicans quit in numbers not seen since Depression
A record number of House Republicans are not seeking re-election, the most since the Great Depression, with Republicans far outpacing Democrats. Eric Garcia breaks down the numbers
Why GOP lawmakers keep jumping ship at an historic pace
With the 2026 midterms a little over seven months away, one Republican lawmaker after another has decided against seeking reelection. Democratic resignations from Congress are occurring as well, but the number is larger among GOP lawmakers.MS NOW's Steve Benen, in a March 30 column, stresses that Republicans are leaving Congress at am historically rapid pace — and he doesn't see this trend letting up anytime soon."It's worth emphasizing that nai…
Mass GOP Exodus: Record Number of House Republicans Quit as Trump’s Chaos Engulfs Washington
An unprecedented number of House Republicans are fleeing Congress, complicating Speaker Mike Johnson’s bid to fend off a potential blue wave in the 2026 midterms and preserve his razor-thin majority. The historic wave of retirements is unfolding against a backdrop of mounting political chaos, as internal dysfunction collides with the turbulence surrounding President Trump’s second term. At least 36 House Republicans have announced plans to leave…
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