Congress hits retirement surge ahead of 2026 elections
TL;DR
A historic wave of retirements sweeps Congress ahead of the 2026 midterms, with 60 lawmakers (51 in the House and 9 in the Senate) exiting or seeking other offices—more Republicans than Democrats—driven by personal reasons, health, family, and frustration with gridlock, signaling possible shifts in competitive races across both chambers.
- Members of Congress are fleeing the job at a historically high rate NBC News
- GOP lawmakers head for the exits as midterms approach The Hill
- Trump leaves Republicans guessing on midterms plans as outlook darkens The Washington Post
- GOP's new fear: Losing the Senate in November Axios
- GOP leaders fret as Trump sits out the party’s nastiest primary battles — with Senate control on the line cnn.com
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