Story perspectives

36 Republicans Depart, Jeopardizing Speaker Johnson's Majority

3/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

House Republicans are retiring or seeking other offices, threatening U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson's slim 2026 majority.
So far, 36 Republicans, including Rep. Sam Graves (R), have announced departures, exceeding the 2018 record of 34.
Many cite gridlock and a desire for change as reasons for leaving.
Rep. Ralph Norman (R) says they could do more as governors.
Johnson faces attendance challenges as retiring members campaign, raising questions about motivation.

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Story summary

House Republicans are retiring or seeking other offices, threatening U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson's slim 2026 majority.
So far, 36 Republicans, including Rep. Sam Graves (R), have announced departures, exceeding the 2018 record of 34.
Many cite gridlock and a desire for change as reasons for leaving.
Rep. Ralph Norman (R) says they could do more as governors.
Johnson faces attendance challenges as retiring members campaign, raising questions about motivation.