On Friday, Representative Mark Amodei of Nevada joined a growing list of Republicans who will not seek reelection in 2026. With his announcement, the total number of GOP lawmakers stepping away from the House has reached 30.
Amodei said in a statement, “Serving the people of Nevada has been the honor of my lifetime. Nobody is prouder of our Nevada Congressional district than me. Thank you for the honor. Every achievement worth doing began with listening to Nevadans and fighting for our values.”
He added, “I came to Congress to solve problems and to make sure our state and nation have strong voice in the federal policy and oversight processes. I look forward to finishing my term. After 15 years of service, I believe it is the right time for Nevada and myself to pass the torch.”
The number of Republicans stepping down sends a warning for their party. With just a 218–213 majority in the House, midterms could be tough, making these exits even more worrying.
Commentary from Bulwark Takes highlights the pressures behind these exits.
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Andrew Egger and Joe Perticone explained that Trump’s “iron grip over Congress has made life miserable even for Freedom Caucus hardliners,” pushing longtime conservatives toward early departures. They also noted the looming threat of being in the minority after the 2026 midterms as another key factor, with many GOP members choosing to “run for the hills” rather than face tough reelection battles.
Several GOP members have already left to serve in other roles. Mike Waltz of Florida and Elise Stefanik of New York were appointed to Cabinet positions by President Donald Trump, though Stefanik later withdrew. Others, like Mark Green of Tennessee and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, have vacated their seats, while Doug LaMalfa of California passed away.
Some lawmakers are leaving to pursue Senate seats, even challenging incumbents from their own party. Barry Moore of Alabama, Julia Letlow of Louisiana, and Wesley Hunt of Texas are among those attempting to unseat sitting Republican senators.
Historical data shows that around 10% of House members retire each year.
In 2018, a total of 52 lawmakers stepped down, 34 of them Republicans. In 2020, 36 Republicans left, and in 2022, 33 Democrats opted out. This year, 51 representatives overall have decided not to run, with Republicans making up the majority.
The list of Republicans leaving the House is long and includes: Mark Amodei (NV), Jodey Arrington (TX), Don Bacon (NE), Andy Barr (KY), Andy Biggs (AZ), Vernon Buchanan (FL), Buddy Carter (GA), Mike Collins (GA), Byron Donalds (FL), Neal Dunn (FL), Randy Feenstra (IA), Harriet Hageman (WY), Ashley Hinson (IA), Wesley Hunt (TX), John James (MI), Dusty Johnson (SD), Julia Letlow (LA), Barry Loudermilk (GA), Morgan Luttrell (TX), Nancy Mace (SC), Michael McCaul (TX), Barry Moore (AL), Troy Nehls (TX), Dan Newhouse (WA), Ralph Norman (SC), John Rose (TN), Chip Roy (TX), David Schweikert (AZ), Elise Stefanik (NY), and Tom Tiffany (WI).
Featured image via AP / J. Scott Applewhite
