Overview
- Roughly two dozen Republican House members have resigned or announced they will not seek reelection in 2026, an unusually high pace for this point in the cycle.
- Political scientist Charlie Hunt describes a quiet revolt against Speaker Mike Johnson that he says is pushing some members to leave early, creating vacancies with policy consequences.
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene plans to resign on Jan. 5, and some Republicans fear her exit could foreshadow additional resignations, though that concern remains speculative.
- House data show 46 total departures announced this year — 26 Republicans and 20 Democrats — driven by frustration with dysfunction, redistricting shifts, statewide bids, and private‑sector opportunities.
- Analysts cite a tough national environment for Republicans in 2026, with President Donald Trump polling poorly and Democrats leading the generic ballot, raising stakes for the GOP’s narrow majority.