Record Exodus Underway: Lawmakers Abandon Congress Ahead of 2026 Midterms

A historic wave of departures is sweeping through Capitol Hill, with a record number of lawmakers announcing they will not seek re-election or are eyeing gubernatorial runs ahead of the 2026 midterms. As of August 12, 2025, a staggering 30 members of Congress—nine senators and 21 House members—have declared their intent to exit, marking an unprecedented level of pre-election resignations for this stage of the cycle.

This mass exodus, occurring just under 15 months before the 2026 elections, includes a notable trend of senators and House representatives pivoting to state-level politics, particularly seeking governorships. This inversion of the traditional political pipeline, where governors often ascend to the Senate, is the highest seen in 90 years. Analysts attribute this shift to increasing partisan gridlock, Washington’s perceived diminished appeal, and the desire for higher-profile roles that state executive positions now offer.

The current climate, exacerbated by political polarization and the ongoing influence of the Trump era, continues to make Congress a less attractive long-term career for many. With the August recess potentially prompting more announcements, the political landscape for the 2026 elections is already being reshaped by this significant wave of congressional departures.

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