Another House Republican Announces Retirement Ahead of Midterms

GOP leadership braces for potential losses as party faces headwinds

Feb. 4, 2026 at 6:31pm

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Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) announced he will not seek re-election this fall, joining a growing number of Republican lawmakers who have decided to retire or resign ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Loudermilk's decision comes as experts predict a strong Democratic showing in the upcoming midterms, with the party recently picking up key victories in Texas that have narrowed the Republican advantage in the House.

Why it matters

Loudermilk's retirement is the latest sign of potential trouble for the Republican Party as it heads into the midterm elections. With a number of high-profile GOP lawmakers choosing not to run again, the party leadership is bracing for potential losses that could shift the balance of power in Congress.

The details

In a statement, Loudermilk said he believes 'it is time to contribute to my community, state, and nation in other ways' and has therefore decided not to seek re-election. Loudermilk has represented Georgia's 11th Congressional district since 2014. His announcement comes as other Republicans, including Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and Michael McCaul (R-TX), have also opted not to run again.

  • Rep. Loudermilk announced his retirement on February 4, 2026.

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, U.S. Representative (Politico)

What’s next

With Loudermilk's retirement, the Republican Party will need to find a new candidate to run for his seat in Georgia's 11th Congressional district. The outcome of this race, as well as other key House contests, will be closely watched as an indicator of the GOP's performance in the 2026 midterm elections.

The takeaway

Loudermilk's decision to retire is the latest sign of potential trouble for the Republican Party as it heads into the 2026 midterm elections. With a growing number of GOP lawmakers choosing not to run again, the party leadership is bracing for potential losses that could shift the balance of power in Congress.