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House 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.
5 Articles
5 Articles
Record 36 House Republicans To Leave Congress Amid Growing 'Dysfunction' On Capitol Hill
A record 36 House Republicans have announced they will leave Congress at the end of their terms in Washington, a wave of departures that is reshaping power calculations on Capitol Hill ahead of the 2026 midterms and testing Speaker Mike Johnson's ability to hold together an already fragile majority. The news came after months of mounting strain inside the House Republican Conference. Since the US elections of 2024 and the launch of what many in …
House Republicans flee Congress in record numbers amid growing dysfunction
An unprecedented number of House Republicans are opting to retire or pursue other offices, complicating Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) bid to fend off a potential blue wave in the 2026 midterms and preserve his razor-thin majority. So far, 36 House Republicans — including the most recent, Rep. Sam Graves (Mo.) — have announced they will…
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