Record number of lawmakers retiring from Congress ahead of midterms
abcnews.com • • nation
Key Points:
- Republican Congressman Sam Graves of Missouri became the 36th Republican and 57th House member overall to announce retirement ahead of the midterms, marking the largest GOP exodus in nearly a century.
- More Republicans are retiring before the 2024 midterms than in 2018, including influential committee chairs and veterans, with many seeking Senate or gubernatorial positions, amid concerns about becoming the minority party.
- On the Democratic side, 21 House members have announced retirements, including high-profile leaders like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, citing personal reasons and political frustrations.
- Factors influencing retirements include long careers, family considerations, redistricting challenges, increasing political incivility, and dissatisfaction with congressional dysfunction and partisan polarization.
- Experts note that redistricting and the heightened focus on primary elections have reduced incentives for legislative compromise, contributing to a more hostile political environment and prompting some members to leave Congress.
