Summary
A record number of U.S. lawmakers have announced plans to leave Congress ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. As of August 2025, nine Senators and 21 House members have decided not to run for reelection. Some are seeking governor positions, and there is a marked shift from the usual trend of governors moving to the Senate.
Key Facts
- There are 470 Congressional seats up for election in 2026, including all 435 House seats and 33 Senate seats.
- Nine Senators and 21 House members have said they will not run in the next election, marking a modern record.
- Some lawmakers are aiming for governor positions instead of staying in Congress.
- Three Senators, including Tommy Tuberville, Marsha Blackburn, and Michael Bennet, are running for governor rather than seeking another Senate term.
- Twelve current U.S. Senators are former governors.
- Political gridlock and polarization in Congress might be influencing lawmakers to leave.
- Recent trends show more success for Senators becoming governors than vice versa.
