A total of 66 members of the U.S. Congress — including 56 representatives and 10 senators — have announced they will not run for re-election in 2026. This wave of departures reflects a significant shift in the political landscape ahead of the upcoming elections.
Since early February 2026, five additional lawmakers — four representatives and one senator — have confirmed their retirement from public office.
Recent Retirement Announcements
Several high-profile Republicans recently confirmed they will step down:
- Rep. Ryan Zinke (Montana) — District rated Solid/Likely Republican
- Sen. Steve Daines (Montana) — Seat rated Solid/Likely Republican
- Rep. Burgess Owens (Utah) — District rated Solid/Safe Republican
- Rep. Tony Gonzales (Texas) — District rated Solid/Safe Republican
- Rep. Darrell Issa (California) — District rated Toss-up/Tilt Democratic
These ratings suggest that while many seats remain secure for one party, a few could become competitive battlegrounds.
U.S. House: Breakdown of Departures
Among the 56 representatives not seeking re-election:
- 21 Democrats and 35 Republicans are stepping down
- 28 (13 Democrats, 15 Republicans) are retiring from public office
- 16 (7 Democrats, 9 Republicans) are running for U.S. Senate
- 11 (1 Democrat, 10 Republicans) are running for governor
- 1 Republican is running for state attorney general
Competitive Races Among Retiring Members
Seven retiring House members won their last election by margins of 10 percentage points or less. Notably:
- Jared Golden (D-Maine)
- Don Bacon (R-Nebraska)
- David Schweikert (R-Arizona)
Each of these candidates secured victory by less than five percentage points in 2024, making their districts particularly competitive in 2026.
U.S. Senate: Key Retirements
Ten senators — four Democrats and six Republicans — will not seek re-election. Those retiring include:
- Steve Daines (R-Montana)
- Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming)
- Joni Ernst (R-Iowa)
- Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina)
- Dick Durbin (D-Illinois)
- Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky)
- Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire)
- Tina Smith (D-Minnesota)
- Gary Peters (D-Michigan)
Additionally, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) is leaving the Senate to run for governor.
Close Senate Races in 2020
Half of these senators previously won by narrow margins:
- Five senators won by 10 percentage points or less
- Thom Tillis and Gary Peters won by less than five percentage points
This suggests that several Senate seats could become highly contested in 2026.
Historical Comparison of Retirement Trends
The number of retirements in 2026 is notably higher compared to recent election cycles:
- 2024: 42 retirements
- 2022: 45 retirements
- 2020: 34 retirements
- 2018: 46 retirements
In contrast, 2026 has already reached 66 announcements, indicating an unusually high turnover.
Long-Term Trends in Congressional Retirements
Between January 2011 and March 2026, a total of 406 members of Congress announced they would not seek re-election.
- January has seen the highest number of retirement announcements (73)
- June has recorded the lowest (16)
These trends highlight how timing and political cycles influence retirement decisions.
What This Means for 2026 Elections
The large number of open seats is expected to increase electoral competition and could reshape party control in both chambers of Congress. Open races often attract stronger challengers and reduce the advantage typically held by incumbents.
With several closely contested districts and Senate seats in play, the 2026 elections could become one of the most dynamic in recent years.
