Overview
- At least 68 members of Congress say they will not run in 2026, with 31 instead filing to seek other offices such as governor or the Senate.
- House Republicans account for a larger share of departures, with 29 not seeking reelection; of those, 10 plan retirements, 10 are running for governor, and 8 are pursuing Senate seats.
- Notable exits span both parties, including Republicans Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, Joni Ernst and Don Bacon, and Democrats Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer and Jerry Nadler, according to recent reports.
- Lawmakers and experts cite legislative stagnation, narrow majorities and intraparty conflict as key factors, with Congress passing fewer laws in recent terms than at any time since the early 1900s.
- The departures expand the map for 2026 by creating more open seats and competitive contests, including districts held by Jared Golden in Maine, Don Bacon in Nebraska and David Schweikert in Arizona.