68 members of Congress announce retirement, largest exodus in decades

By late February 2026, 68 voting members of Congress had announced they would not seek reelection, representing the second-highest departure count since 1992. Republicans accounted for 36 House retirements, exceeding their own single-party record of 34 set in 2018, while 22 House Democrats also announced departures. The wave of open seats dramatically expanded the competitive map heading into the November 2026 midterms, with 57 House members and 11 senators departing.