With just under a year until the 2026 midterm elections, US Congress appears headed for a record wave of exits, as 52 lawmakers, 28 Republicans and 24 Democrats, have announced they will not seek re-election, USA Today reported.
Ahead of the midterms, a number of lawmakers have either chosen to retire or pursue other offices. As such, the exodus could be the largest one in recent years.
The resignations come at a moment of uncertainty for the Republican Party. According to polls, President Donald Trump’s approval rating is at an all-time low with the Republicans holding a narrow majority in the House at 219–213.
Republican exodus leads the wave
Republicans can be seen dominating the exits at nearly 2-to-1, with 23 House members and five senators opting out amid internal strife under President Donald Trump‘s second term.
High-profile quits include Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who resigned, after clashing with Trump over Jeffrey Epstein documents and White House’s “treatment of members like garbage.”
Homeland Security Chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.) left mid-term in June 2025 for private sector opportunities after his final vote supporting Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Senators Mitch McConnell, Thom Tillis, and Joni Ernst cited policy disagreements with Trump’s executive authority push. GOP leaders like Speaker Mike Johnson warn of morale collapse, limited Washington days, and fears of losing the slim House majority (220-212).
Democrats also bailing
Democrats announced 17 House and seven Senate retirements, driven by threats, incivility, and state-wide ambitions. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) cited exhaustion from decades of travel after 40 years in office. Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine) highlighted “anxiety over winning” in a polarised climate, according to Politico.
Safety woes
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are increasingly worried about their own safety, especially in the wake of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Widespread redistricting of congressional district boundaries have upended lawmakers’ understandings of the places they represent.
Six states have enacted new congressional maps in 2025 ahead of 2026 midterms: Texas, North Carolina, Missouri, California, Ohio, and Utah, according to Texas Tribune.
Congress’ waning influence
The exodus comes at a tough time for Congress as an institution. If the longest-ever government shutdown was any indication, political gridlock is at a high point, according to USA Today.
Over the past year, federal agencies have repeatedly delayed and cut funding for programs in ways that lawmakers, judges and independent watchdogs have suggested were illegal.
“There is a lot of frustration among our members with the effectiveness, or lack thereof, of the House,” Kiley told USA TODAY. “If you’re someone who ran for Congress to accomplish X, Y or Z, and it’s becoming more difficult to do those things, does that impact people’s decisions to stay? I’m sure it will,” Kiley added.