general
Record exodus: 36 House Republicans will leave Congress
A record 36 House Republicans have said they will vacate their seats, exceeding the 2018 high and creating a fresh challenge for Speaker Mike Johnson as he tries to hold a narrow majority ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Mar 28th 2026 · United States
Insights
- Thirty-six House Republicans have announced they will leave Congress at the end of this term, surpassing the 2018 GOP record of 34.
- The current total contrasts with 21 House Democrats who are not seeking reelection this year.
- Many departing Republicans are running for governor or Senate, while others cite family reasons or seek different careers.
- Lawmakers point to legislative gridlock and partisan dysfunction as major reasons for retiring or running for other offices.
- The departures complicate Speaker Mike Johnson’s effort to defend a razor thin GOP majority and increase Republican vulnerability in the 2026 midterms.