A significant number of sitting U.S. House members have announced they will not pursue reelection in the 2026 cycle. Ballotpedia's tracking, updated as of March 27, 2026, confirms 57 voting members are departing the chamber.

These departures include 36 Republicans and 21 Democrats. Most lawmakers are either choosing retirement or shifting their focus to campaigns for higher political office.

Shifting Political Landscape Ahead of 2026 Elections

The current count of 57 departures surpasses figures from previous election cycles. For comparison, Ballotpedia recorded 42 members not seeking reelection in 2024 and 45 in 2022.

The trend shows a notable increase in open seats compared to earlier years, with 34 recorded in 2020 and 46 in 2018.

Pursuit of Higher Office

A portion of these departing House members are aiming for executive or statewide roles. Specifically, 11 lawmakers are currently campaigning to become governor.

Additionally, one member has announced a run for the position of state attorney general, indicating a strategic move up the political ladder for some incumbents.

Confirmed Departures and Announcement Dates

Ballotpedia has compiled a list detailing several of the U.S. lawmakers who have confirmed they will not be on the ballot in 2026. The reasons cited range from retirement to seeking other opportunities.

Republican Members Not Seeking Reelection

  • Sam Graves (R) – Missouri’s 6th – Announced March 27, 2026.
  • Tony Gonzalez (R) – Texas’ 23rd – March 5, 2026.
  • Mark Amodei (R) – Nevada’s 2nd – Feb. 6, 2026.
  • Vern Buchanan (R) – Florida’s 16th – Jan. 27, 2026.
  • Elise Stefanik (R) – New York’s 21st – Dec. 19, 2025.
  • Jodey Arrington (R) – Texas’ 19th – Nov. 11, 2025.
  • Morgan Luttrell (R) – Texas’ 8th – Sept. 11, 2025.
  • Harriet Hageman (R) – Wyoming At-Large – Dec. 23, 2025.
  • Barry Moore (R) – Alabama’s 1st – Aug. 12, 2025.
  • Earl "Buddy" Carter (R) – Georgia’s 1st – May 8, 2025.
  • Andy Barr (R) – Kentucky’s 6th – April 22, 2025.
  • Tom Tiffany (R) – Wisconsin’s 7th – Sept. 23, 2025.
  • Ralph Norman (R) – South Carolina’s 5th – July 28, 2025.
  • Randy Feenstra (R) – Iowa’s 4th – May 12, 2025.
  • Byron Donalds (R) – Florida’s 19th – Feb. 25, 2025.
  • Chip Roy (R) – Texas’ 21st – Announced Aug. 21, 2025.
  • Kevin Hern (R) – Oklahoma’s 1st – Announced March 11, 2026.

Additionally, Tom McClintock (R, California’s 5th) and Victoria Spartz (R, Indiana’s 5th) are listed with potential retirements.

Democratic Members Not Seeking Reelection

  • Julia Brownley (D) – California’s 26th – Jan. 8, 2026.
  • Lloyd Doggett (D) – Texas’ 37th – Dec. 5, 2025.
  • Jared Golden (D) – Maine’s 2nd – Nov. 5, 2025.
  • Danny K. Davis (D) – Illinois’ 7th – July 31, 2025.
  • Dwight Evans (D) – Pennsylvania’s 3rd – June 30, 2025.
  • Seth Moulton (D) – Massachusetts’ 6th – Oct. 15, 2025.
  • Robin Kelly (D) – Illinois’ 2nd – May 6, 2025.
  • Chris Pappas (D) – New Hampshire’s 1st – April 3, 2025.
  • Eric Swalwell (D) – California’s 14th – Announced Nov. 21, 2025.

Nancy Pelosi (D, California’s 11th) announced her departure on Nov. 6, 2025. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D, Florida’s 20th) is currently noted as a potential retirement.