Dozens of lawmakers will not return to Congress following the upcoming midterm elections. As voters prepare to elect all 435 members of the House and a third of the Senate, 57 House members and 11 senators have already confirmed they will not seek re-election. Additionally, four House members and two senators lost their races in the primaries, marking significant turnover as the 120th Congress takes shape.
One name that may not elicit much nostalgia from conservative voters is Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY). At 84, McConnell has been a fixture in the Senate since 1985, serving as both majority and minority leader. His political decisions, particularly his distancing from former President Trump on various policies, have earned him criticism from hardline conservatives. Policy disputes regarding tariffs and trade, along with a disappointing GOP performance in the 2022 midterms, have tarnished his reputation among many in the party.
Another prominent figure leaving is Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who announced her retirement after a notable career that began in the 1980s. Pelosi held several terms as Speaker of the House, making her one of the most recognized politicians in America. Her association with controversial stock trades has drawn scrutiny and raised questions about her financial dealings during her time in office. Some have pointed to her astronomical increase in net worth as suspicious.
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) chooses a different path, opting to retire in order to run for governor of South Carolina. While she faces challenges, including opposition from a candidate endorsed by Trump, she remains focused on her gubernatorial aspirations.
In contrast, Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) faced an unexpected defeat in the March 2026 primaries, prompting discussions about his standing within the party. Criticized by some as a Republican In Name Only (RINO), Crenshaw’s support for certain gun control measures may have contributed to his downfall. Without the backing of Trump, he could not secure his spot in Congress for another term.
The Democratic side of the aisle also experienced significant losses. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) lost her seat after her decision to run for Senate ended in defeat during the primaries. Known for her divisive remarks, including derogatory comments about prominent Republicans, her tenure highlights the rifts among party members.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) fell victim to a similar fate. After being defeated by Attorney General Ken Paxton in the primary, Cornyn’s stance on important issues, such as the Second Amendment, contributed to his downfall. Supported by Trump, Paxton’s campaign proved instrumental in Cornyn’s substantial loss.
Other noteworthy departures include Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), who lost his primary bid, and Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX), who stepped aside from running to pursue a lost attorney general bid. Additionally, allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) regarding harassment have resulted in his resignation.
As these changes unfold, they signal a pivotal moment in American politics. With a host of new faces and familiar names stepping aside, the landscape of Congress will likely shift in the next term, and the upcoming elections promise to add even more drama to this evolving narrative.
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