Record Number of Republicans Abandon House Reelection Bids

Dozens of GOP lawmakers are opting against seeking reelection to Congress ahead of 2026 midterms

Mar. 10, 2026 at 1:00pm

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A record 35 Republican members of the House of Representatives have announced they will not seek reelection in the 2026 midterm elections, surpassing the previous high of 34 GOP retirements in 2018. The mass exodus comes amid low approval ratings for Congress, rising disapproval of former President Trump, and a string of Democratic deaths-in-office that have increased pressure on older lawmakers to step aside.

Why it matters

The historic number of Republican retirements could signal trouble for the party as it seeks to regain control of the House. Democrats have been overperforming in recent elections, and the party currently holds a 14-point advantage over the GOP in voter enthusiasm. The retirements also highlight the growing partisan divisions and dysfunction in Congress.

The details

Among the Republicans opting not to run for reelection are Rep. Darell Issa of California, Rep. Burgess Owens of Utah, and Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas, who is facing an ethics investigation. At least 19 of the 35 retiring Republicans are seeking other public offices, though some of those bids have already faltered. The retirements come as Congress' approval rating hovers near record lows and as the Republican majority has shown little indication of serving as a check on the power of the president.

  • On March 10, 2026, Rep. Darell Issa (R-Calif.) became the 35th member of the GOP to announce they will not seek reelection to Congress this November.
  • Last week, Rep. Burgess Owens (R-Utah) also announced he will not run for a new term amid an ongoing redistricting battle in his home state.
  • Last week, embattled Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) abandoned his hopes for reelection after the House Ethics Committee announced it would be investigating allegations that Gonzales sexually harassed a former staffer who later died by self-immolation.

The players

Rep. Darell Issa

A Republican member of Congress from California who announced he will not seek reelection in 2026.

Rep. Burgess Owens

A Republican member of Congress from Utah who announced he will not run for a new term amid an ongoing redistricting battle in his home state.

Rep. Tony Gonzales

A Republican member of Congress from Texas who abandoned his hopes for reelection after the House Ethics Committee announced it would be investigating allegations that Gonzales sexually harassed a former staffer who later died by self-immolation.

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What they’re saying

“It is no secret I've been frustrated, at times disgusted, by the hyper-partisanship in Congress. In the last year it's led to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, a massive increase in healthcare costs, and of course, a pointless redistricting war.”

— Rep. Kevin Kiley

“Republicans know they are going to lose in November. By retiring now, they're avoiding the inevitable humiliation of losing their seats – and gavels. Good riddance.”

— Justin Chermol, DCCC Spokesperson

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Rep. Tony Gonzales out on bail.

The takeaway

The historic number of Republican retirements from the House of Representatives highlights the growing partisan divisions and dysfunction in Congress, as well as the potential challenges the GOP faces in regaining control of the chamber in the 2026 midterm elections.