A record number of congressional lawmakers aren't running for reelection in 2026. Here's the list [so far]

[essentialsaltes]

Fifteen are retiring from public office with the rest running for a different office — 11 looking to become governor of their state, 10 looking to make the jump from House to Senate and one, Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy, is looking to become his state's attorney general.

There are more Republicans signaling their desire to exit Washington (27) than Democrats (10).

 

[Richard T]

Reminds me of Supreme Court Justice John Jay. Is it possible that wWith Trump taking all the power and prestige, a state position is far better than Congress? A new use of the phrase "voting with your feet." Quote below from google AI

• "The first Chief Justice, John Jay, was re-nominated to the position by President Washington.
• Jay, however, refused the offer. He was disillusioned with the Supreme Court's limited prestige and difficult circuit-riding duties in its early days, finding the workload too heavy and the position lacking in political importance. He preferred to continue his career as the Governor of New York."

 

[Aryeh Jay]

Fifteen are retiring from public office with the rest running for a different office — 11 looking to become governor of their state, 10 looking to make the jump from House to Senate and one, Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy, is looking to become his state's attorney general.

There are more Republicans signaling their desire to exit Washington (27) than Democrats (10).

I wonder if it's because Congress has become a non functional cog in the government machine, or did they reach the monetary amount they needed to live a comfortable life.

 

[essentialsaltes]

I wonder if it's because Congress has become a non functional cog in the government machine, or did they reach the monetary amount they needed to live a comfortable life.

Those are possible options. A couple others I can think of.

I remember in another case where the GOP was heading for the exits, one of them said "It's not fun to not be in the majority anymore." They may be sensing a blue ripple that will flip the House.

Perhaps connected to that, a lot of these folks are getting earfuls of anger at their town halls (if they have the guts to hold them). They may realize that the Big Billionaire Buffet and cuts to healthcare are not popular and they're having difficulty justifying their own votes to their own constituents.