House GOP Exodus Deepens: Over Two Dozen Republicans Leaving, Raising 2026 Stakes

House Republicans are facing a significant wave of departures that could complicate their efforts to defend a narrow majority. More than two dozen GOP members have announced they will leave at the end of the term or have already resigned, and additional departures are expected as lawmakers travel home for the holidays.

Who is leaving and why it matters

So far, 23 House Republicans have said they are retiring or running for other offices and four have resigned early. By comparison, 17 Democrats have announced retirements or bids for other offices. The number of GOP departures is tracking close to the 2018 midterm cycle, when retirements and resignations contributed to a sizable Democratic gain in the House.

The departures cut across the party’s ideological spectrum, from high-profile conservatives such as Reps. Chip Roy, Jodey Arrington and Michael McCaul to moderates like Rep. Don Bacon (Neb.). Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) surprised colleagues by announcing she will resign effective Jan. 5, citing frustration with her party’s approach to health care, foreign policy and other issues.

Context and comparisons

Midterm cycles often bring higher turnover for the president’s party. At a similar point in the 2018 cycle, 20 House Republicans had already said they would not run again and six had resigned—numbers that are close to today’s totals. In 2018, those early departures grew to 34 retirements and 14 resignations overall, and Democrats took control of the House.

“Ultimately, the number of Republican retirements that we see compared to 2018 — I would imagine it would be close to the same number when all is said and done,” said Erin Covey, House editor at the Cook Political Report.

Reasons for departures

Lawmakers cited a mix of personal and political reasons: the personal toll of long service, hotly contested swing districts, frustration with leadership and legislative gridlock. Rep. Brian Mast (R-Fla.) noted routine turnover in midterm cycles and said some members simply decide they have served long enough. Rep. Don Bacon echoed that sentiment, saying, “If you’re not fired up about winning, that’s time to move on.”

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) criticized party dynamics, saying many colleagues feel they must fall in line with leadership and the White House rather than exercise independent judgment.

Other members pointed to specific dysfunctions: Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) mentioned a prolonged government shutdown, repeated censure fights, disputes over tariffs and an aggressive redistricting fight. Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas) emphasized the family strain and long hours that push some lawmakers to step away.

Electoral implications

Most departing Republicans represent districts that remain reliably red, but several seats are competitive or tilting Democratic. Analysts at the Cook Political Report list Rep. Don Bacon’s district as leaning Democrat and Rep. David Schweikert’s (R-Ariz.) seat as a Republican toss-up; other departing members hold districts rated as likely or leaning Republican. Highly contested redistricting battles add another layer of uncertainty as both parties move to protect vulnerable seats.

Some Republicans see benefits to turnover: Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) called it an opportunity for “fresh blood” and new energy in the House. For GOP leaders, however, the immediate challenge is logistical and political: managing primaries, recruiting strong candidates, and defending a narrow majority amid internal divisions.

What happens next depends on whether additional members announce departures, how party strategists respond in affected districts, and the outcome of redistricting fights. With 2026 on the horizon, the current exodus will be closely watched as a potential barometer of the party’s strength and cohesion.