Another House Republican announces retirement ahead of midterms

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) says he will not seek re-election in 2026

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:07pm

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Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) announced on Wednesday that he will not run for re-election to the House of Representatives during the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Loudermilk, who has represented Georgia's 11th Congressional district since 2014, said in a statement that he believes it is time to "contribute to my community, state, and nation in other ways." Loudermilk is the latest in a growing number of Republican lawmakers who have either resigned or decided not to seek re-election during former President Trump's second term.

Why it matters

Loudermilk's announcement comes at a time when political analysts anticipate a strong Democratic showing in the 2026 midterm elections. The party has recently picked up key victories, including a 50-point swing by Latino voters in a Texas Senate race and a special election win for a Congressional seat in Houston. Loudermilk's retirement further reduces the Republican advantage in the House of Representatives, which is now down to just one vote.

The details

In his statement, Loudermilk said he has decided "not to seek reelection and end my current term in Congress." He joins a list of other Republican lawmakers, including Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and Michael McCaul (R-TX), who have either resigned or announced they will not run for re-election.

  • On February 4, 2026, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) announced he will not seek re-election during the upcoming midterm elections.

The players

Rep. Barry Loudermilk

A Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives who has represented Georgia's 11th Congressional district since 2014.

Vern Buchanan

A Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Florida.

Elise Stefanik

A Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York.

Michael McCaul

A Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas.

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What they’re saying

“I believe it is time to contribute to my community, state, and nation in other ways. Therefore, I have decided not to seek reelection and end my current term in Congress.”

— Rep. Barry Loudermilk (Politico)

The takeaway

Loudermilk's retirement is the latest in a series of Republican House members deciding not to run for re-election, further reducing the party's advantage in the chamber ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. This development comes as political analysts predict a strong Democratic performance, with the party recently securing key victories in Texas and Houston.