Overview
- Arrington said he will finish his term ending in January 2027 and announced his decision in a video stressing that public office should be temporary.
- As Budget Committee chair since 2023, he helped craft and move President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” through the House into law earlier this year.
- The announcement set off immediate succession talk, with Vice Chair Lloyd Smucker viewed as the likely Budget Committee heir if Republicans keep the House.
- The Lubbock-based 19th District is safely Republican, and a December 8 filing deadline compresses the timeline for candidates to enter the GOP primary.
- Reporters noted a records discrepancy after his announcement, as some election listings still identified him as a declared 2026 candidate this week.