Sixty members of Congress have announced they will not run for re-election in 2026—51 House members and nine senators. It's the most retirements from both chambers combined this century, according to data from the Brookings Institution. The number includes lawmakers retiring from political life altogether and those leaving their seats to run for other offices.
What the Left Is Saying
Democrats point to the toxic political environment under Donald Trump as a major factor. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), running for Senate, told NBC News that Trump has "catalyzed a real toxic partisan atmosphere" over the past decade. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), 81, said she couldn't stand another two years with Trump in the White House: "That's just sickening for me to have to deal with." Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) cited incivility and threats against his family, writing in the Bangor Daily News, "As a father, I have to consider whether the good I can achieve outweighs everything my family endures." Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) invoked Joe Biden's decision to step aside, telling The New York Times, "Watching the Biden thing really said something about the necessity for generational change in the party." Democrats argue that retirements in competitive districts—including Golden, Angie Craig (MN), and Chris Pappas (NH)—signal that Republicans face a tough midterm. The DCCC said Republicans "know they will lose the majority in November" and are "just quitting."
What the Right Is Saying
Republicans dismiss the idea that retirements signal a difficult environment for the GOP. A Republican strategist noted that most retiring Republicans are running for higher office—governor or Senate—in states like Wisconsin and Arizona. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC), running for governor, said he "felt like they needed somebody with my business background." GOP retirements also reflect frustration with Congress as a workplace. Sarah Chamberlain, president of the Republican Main Street Partnership, said gridlock from narrow majorities and security concerns—"death threats and all of that"—have played a role. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), who retired from a Democratic-leaning district, cited the grueling two-year election cycle: "This job requires a 14-hour day during the week, Saturdays, parades and a variety of things." Republicans argue that most open seats aren't in competitive districts. NRCC spokesman Mike Marinella said, "Democrats are excited about retirements in districts they can't win. House Republicans are on offense."
What the Numbers Show
The 60 retirements break down as 30 House Republicans, 21 House Democrats, five Senate Republicans, and four Senate Democrats. The House figure is approaching the 2018 record of 52 retirements, a year when Republicans lost 40 seats and control of the chamber. Historical data from Brookings shows an average of 25 congressional retirements per year from 2011 to 2026. Just eight of the 51 retiring House members—five Republicans and three Democrats—represent districts that could be competitive in November. Retirements have opened up competitive Senate seats in Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Iowa. Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) and Rep. Mark Amodei (R-NV) announced last week they wouldn't run again, citing family time and "the right time to pass the torch," respectively.
The Bottom Line
Congressional retirements reflect a mix of personal, political, and workplace factors—from age and family concerns to frustration with gridlock and threats. The historically high number suggests both parties face internal tensions, though most open seats are in safe districts. The real test will come in November, when voters decide whether retirements in a handful of competitive districts shift control of the House or Senate.