Fifty-eight incumbent U.S. House members have announced they will not seek re-election following the November 2026 midterms, marking the highest number at this stage in a midterm cycle since at least 2009. Republicans account for 37 of those departures, compared to 21 Democrats, according to trackers from the Associated Press and Ballotpedia.

The pace exceeds previous cycles at a similar point. In 2018, another high-water mark with 50 total House retirements by cycle's end, the count stood at 46 by late March. This year's figure ties or surpasses that benchmark for the House alone this century.

House Republicans, who hold a slim majority under Speaker Mike Johnson, face the brunt of the exodus. Recent announcements include Rep. Sam Graves of Missouri's 6th District on March 27, who said he wanted to "make room for the next generation" after more than two decades in Congress. Others this month were Reps. Darrell Issa of California, Tony Gonzales of Texas, Burgess Owens of Utah, and Ryan Zinke of Montana.

Among Democrats, longtime leaders such as former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and Reps. Jerrold Nadler and Jan Schakowsky are departing. The retirees hail from 31 states.

Ballotpedia categorizes the exits: 29 are retiring outright, while others pursue higher office, including 16 bids for Senate seats (seven Democrats, nine Republicans) and 11 for governor (one Democrat, 10 Republicans). Analysts point to factors like an aging Congress, the median age of pure retirees is 67, mid-decade redistricting in six states, and frustration with legislative gridlock.

Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., cited family and "dysfunction" as reasons for his exit. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., who is running for governor, noted executives have greater impact than lawmakers.

The wave poses challenges for Republicans defending their narrow majority. Midterms historically favor the opposition party, and early retirements signal potential vulnerability in holding seats or recruiting strong candidates. Attendance issues have arisen, with Speaker Johnson chiding absent members during key votes.

As of Sunday, the total continues to climb, with announcements coming earlier than in prior years. In the first half of 2025 alone, 15 House members bowed out, double the decade average.