Congressional Exodus: A Look at the Record Number of Departures Ahead of the 2026 Midterms
A significant number of current members of Congress have announced that they will not be seeking reelection in the 2026 midterms. This decision is influenced by factors such as redistricting, retirements, and lawmakers pursuing different political offices. As of December 17, 2025, a total of 54 representatives and senators are retiring or running for other positions, with 10 senators and 44 House members included in this group. Notable figures like Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Mitch McConnell are among those retiring, while others are seeking state or local offices. Some are aiming to become governors, while others are eyeing a transition from the House to the Senate.
In addition to those retiring or running for different offices, there have been eight lawmakers who have passed away or resigned since the start of the 119th Congress. The period since President Trump took office in 2017 has seen a significant turnover in Congress, with 900 individuals having served, including 132 senators and 751 representatives. Retirement has been the most common way for lawmakers to exit Congress during the Trump era, with over 140 members leaving between 2017 and 2024. Recent announcements by prominent figures like Pelosi and Greene have added to the record number of departures ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The upcoming elections in 2026 are expected to see a high number of departures from Congress, with redistricting and narrow majorities playing a role in lawmakers' decisions. The Republican Party, which currently holds slim majorities in both the House and the Senate, is facing challenges with voters dissatisfied with Trump's agenda for a second term. Redistricting efforts in states controlled by Republicans and Democrats have led to boundary line changes that have influenced some lawmakers' choices. States like Texas and California have seen significant redrawing of congressional maps, prompting retirements, Senate filings, and primary challenges among incumbents.
The 54 announcements made by members of Congress before the end of 2025 mark a modern record for this stage before an election. The turnover in the Senate is particularly notable, with the most significant changes since 2012. As the 2026 midterms approach, the political landscape in Congress is set to undergo significant shifts, with retirements, redistricting, and changing political dynamics shaping the composition of the legislative branch.