Who is leaving Congress ahead of the 2026 midterms?

With the 2026 midterms approaching, a wave of congressional departures is reshaping the political landscape on Capitol Hill. Members from both parties are announcing retirements, resignations, and bids for higher office — developments that could play a pivotal role in determining which party controls the U.S. House next year.

Republicans are defending a razor-thin majority, and several of the lawmakers heading for the exits have been among President Donald Trump’s most outspoken allies. For Democrats, every retirement represents a potential opening as they work to retake the majority.

Retirements are often viewed as an early barometer of political headwinds, signaling churn, internal frustration, or a strategic calculation about the road ahead. And so far, the list is long — stretching across senior committee chairs, high-profile party figures, and members from battleground districts.

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