Why are record number of Democrats, Republicans opting out of re-elections?
US Congress is experiencing a significant number of retirements, with 52 lawmakers announcing their departure before 2026 midterms. Both Republican and Democratic parties are facing a wave of exits, with 23 House members and 5 senators from Republican party citing internal conflicts under Trump's second term, while 17 House and 7 Senate Democrats cite threats, incivility, as reasons for retiring.