With the midterm elections still months away, a record number of members of Congress – 43 in the House and 10 in the Senate – have already announced they will not seek reelection. Notably, Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia announced in November her intention to resign from Congress on January 5th, a full year before her term expires.
A Wave of Departures
Several factors are contributing to this exodus, including frustrations with political gridlock and the current approval ratings of President Donald Trump, which could pose challenges for Republicans in the upcoming elections. As of now, two dozen Republican House members have either resigned or declared they will not run in 2026 – the highest number of departures at this stage in the election cycle in the last 20 years, with only 2018 and 2020 being the exceptions.
There is growing concern within the Republican caucus that Greene’s early departure signals further resignations to come. A political scientist studying congressional elections noted that the sheer number of members leaving suggests a broader dissatisfaction with Washington.
Reasons for Leaving
Many departures are traditional retirements, with experienced members like 78-year-old Democratic Congressman Jerry Nadler and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who will turn 86 in March, stepping down after decades of service. However, members also leave Congress for opportunities outside of public service. Former members are often recruited by lobbying firms and corporations, drawn by their connections and insider knowledge – and often, significantly higher salaries, with over half of all living former members now working as lobbyists.
Beyond career prospects, some members are leaving due to frustration with the job itself and a perceived inability to achieve legislative progress. Senator Thom Tillis, R-N.C., stated in June that the choice between navigating “political theater and partisan gridlock” and spending time with his family was “not a hard choice.”
What Makes 2026 Different?
Several unique factors are influencing the high number of departures, particularly among Republicans. Mid-decade redistricting in several states has created unfamiliar districts, potentially weakening incumbents’ connections with their constituents. In Texas, six Republicans and three Democrats are leaving office, in part due to the state’s new district map for 2026.
Democrats are currently leading in the “generic ballot” – a measure of voter preference for each party – by 13 points compared to Kamala Harris’ performance in the 2024 election. Democrats have also overperformed in recent special elections in New Jersey and Virginia, signaling a potentially challenging environment for Republicans in 2026.
Adding to the instability, House conservatives are reportedly “quietly revolting” against Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership, and some members may be so frustrated that they are choosing to resign before their terms end, leaving seats temporarily vacant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are so many members leaving Congress now?
A record number of members are announcing their departures due to a combination of factors, including frustrations with gridlock, President Trump’s approval ratings, redistricting, and a challenging political environment for Republicans heading into the 2026 midterms.
What does this mean for the upcoming elections?
These departures could significantly impact the balance of power in Congress. With more open seats, the potential for shifts in party control increases, and the outcomes of the midterm elections become even more uncertain.
Are retirements and resignations the same?
No. Retirement typically involves a member completing their current term before leaving office. Resignation means a member leaves office before their term is finished, creating a vacancy that must be filled through a special election or appointment.
Given these developments, how might the changing composition of Congress impact the legislative agenda and the ability to address critical issues facing the nation?
