Overview
- About 40 representatives say they will not run in 2026, roughly 10% of the chamber, according to Ballotpedia-cited tallies.
- The departure rate is the highest at this point in more than a decade, with Republicans leading retirements 23–17 per compiled data.
- Most Republican exits come from reliably red seats, while Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon is singled out as the lone retiring GOP member in a competitive district.
- Many GOP lawmakers are leaving to seek other offices, including Chip Roy, Elise Stefanik and Nancy Mace.
- Analysts note that redistricting in Texas and California and potential map changes in Florida and Virginia could trigger additional exits and complicate control of a narrowly divided House.