Key Takeaways:
- Over 10% of the current Congress has announced they will not return to their seats after the 2026 midterms, with 54 current representatives and Senators retiring or running for different offices.
- The reasons for the departures include redistricting, retirements, and lawmakers running for different offices, such as governor or Senate seats.
- The current Senate and House have seen significant turnover since the start of Trump’s term, with almost two-thirds of the current Senate and 44% of the current House having served since 2017.
- The most common way to leave Congress in the Trump era is retirement, with over 140 lawmakers retiring from 2017-2024.
- Redistricting and narrow majorities in a midterm year are factors contributing to the high number of departures.
Introduction to Congressional Departures
The U.S. Congress is facing a significant turnover, with more than a tenth of its current members announcing they will not return to their seats after the 2026 midterms. As of December 17, 2025, 54 current representatives and Senators have indicated they will be retiring or running for different offices, including 10 Senators and 44 House members. This number is expected to have a significant impact on the composition of the next Congress, with many longtime leaders and experienced lawmakers leaving their positions.
Reasons for Departure
The reasons for the departures are varied, but include redistricting, retirements, and lawmakers running for different offices. Some notable lawmakers, such as California Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, have announced their retirement, while others, such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, have announced their resignation. Additionally, several lawmakers are running for governor of their state, including Texas Republican Rep. Chip Roy, who is seeking to become his state’s attorney general. Tennessee Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Colorado Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet are also running for governor, and would resign their Senate seats if they win.
Historical Context
The current turnover in Congress is significant, with almost two-thirds of the current Senate and 44% of the current House having served since the start of Trump’s term in 2017. According to an NPR review of the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress and campaign records, 900 people have served in Congress since President Trump first took office. The most common way to leave Congress in the Trump era is retirement, with over 140 lawmakers retiring from 2017-2024. This trend is expected to continue, with many older Democrats opting to pass the torch to a younger generation.
Impact of Redistricting
Redistricting is also playing a significant role in the high number of departures, with many lawmakers facing new district boundaries that make their seats more competitive. The Supreme Court’s ruling that Texas’ new congressional map will be used in 2026 has led to a reshuffling of boundary lines, accelerating some lawmakers’ decisions to retire or run for different offices. California’s drastic redraw, which favors Democrats, may also lead to some targeted Republicans announcing retirement or being forced into a primary challenge against another sitting Republican. Other states may still seek to redraw their House maps ahead of their qualifying deadlines, which could lead to further changes in the composition of Congress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the high number of departures from Congress is a significant development that will have a major impact on the composition of the next Congress. With many experienced lawmakers leaving their positions, there will be opportunities for new leaders to emerge and shape the agenda of the next Congress. The reasons for the departures, including redistricting, retirements, and lawmakers running for different offices, are complex and multifaceted. As the 2026 midterms approach, it will be important to watch how these changes play out and how they will shape the future of Congress.
