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63 Lawmakers Opt Out of 2026 Midterms, Shaking Congress

3/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

63 congressional lawmakers, including 39 Republicans, will not seek reelection as the 2026 midterms approach.
Notable retirements include Representative Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), 86, and Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), 83.
Twenty-four House members are pursuing higher office, with 10 launching gubernatorial bids.
Republicans hold a slim House majority and a slight edge in the Senate.

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Story summary

63 congressional lawmakers, including 39 Republicans, will not seek reelection as the 2026 midterms approach.
Notable retirements include Representative Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), 86, and Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), 83.
Twenty-four House members are pursuing higher office, with 10 launching gubernatorial bids.
Republicans hold a slim House majority and a slight edge in the Senate.