As the 2026 midterms approach, a significant shift is occurring within the U.S. Congress. Reports indicate that over ten percent of current members have announced plans to leave their positions. This includes retirements, redistricting concerns, and aspirations for different political roles.
Key Congress Members Not Seeking Reelection in 2026
According to NPR’s Congressional retirement tracker, as of December 17, 2025, a total of 54 members—10 senators and 44 representatives—will not seek reelection. Many influential lawmakers, including Nancy Pelosi from California and Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, are among those stepping down. This trend highlights a larger shift in Congress, particularly as redistricting takes shape.
Reasons for Departures
- 25 members retiring from public office.
- 15 representatives seeking to become governors.
- 13 members attempting to transition from the House to the Senate.
Texas Representative Chip Roy aims to run for attorney general, while Senators Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Michael Bennet of Colorado plan to resign if they win their respective gubernatorial races. Additionally, former Representative Mikie Sherrill has already resigned her New Jersey seat after winning the governor’s race.
Historical Context of Departures
The current exodus is notable in the context of recent political history. Since Donald Trump assumed the presidency in 2017, 900 individuals have served in Congress. This group includes 132 senators and 751 representatives, with 17 politicians having held positions in both chambers.
Approximately two-thirds of the Senate and 44% of the House have served since Trump’s inauguration. The trend of retirement has escalated during this period, with over 140 lawmakers choosing to step back from their roles.
Shifting Political Landscape
The upcoming elections signal a time of potential upheaval in Congress. Many senior Democrats are opting to support a younger generation of leaders, prompting shifts in party dynamics. Notable figures like Senators Dick Durbin and Jeanne Shaheen are among those retiring or considering their future.
A substantial number of lawmakers are also vying for gubernatorial positions, marking an unusual level of ambition among both House members and senators. A record 54 announcements have been recorded by the end of 2025, indicating the most significant turnover in the Senate since 2012.
Impact of Redistricting
Redistricting is a crucial factor influencing these changes. New congressional maps, including Texas’s newly adopted boundaries and California’s redesigned districts favoring Democrats, have propelled some lawmakers to retire or change their political trajectory. The Supreme Court’s ruling to implement Texas’s congressional map for the 2026 elections has already impacted incumbents, with nine announcing retirements or shifts to other fields.
The evolving political landscape heading into the 2026 midterms presents challenges and opportunities for both parties. As the Republican Party navigates narrow margins in Congress, dissatisfaction among voters regarding Trump’s agenda may further complicate the electoral landscape.
