The record-setting pace of retirements from Congress continues, led by Republicans
(NPR) One in eight members of Congress now say they plan to leave their current seats after this election cycle, the second-highest total in the last century.
According to NPR's congressional retirement tracker, as of March 5, there are 67 current representatives and senators who are retiring or running for a different office 13 senators and 54 House members.
They include the surprise retirement announcements this week from Montana Republicans Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke and Utah Republican Rep. Burgess Owens' decision in the wake of that state's redistricting that adds a Democratic-leaning seat.
https://www.npr.org/2025/12/17/nx-s1-5647318/congress-retirement-2026-house-senate-primary
Skittles
(170,976 posts)they let Trump shit all over America and now they're running before all that shit hits the fan
FUCK them
Fiendish Thingy
(22,853 posts)A few, like Tillis, seem to have found their spines, and some of those few are openly opposing Trump.
They have done the math- rather than waste campaign funds on a bruising primary fight against a Trump-endorsed opponent, which they would surely lose, they can retire, and legally keep all their campaign funds.
My hope is that between now and November there will be enough republican retirees who no longer GAF if Trump tweets mean things about them, and who will, at least occasionally, vote against him.
But yes, the rest who continue to walk in lockstep towards retirement are the cowards they always were.
Skittles
(170,976 posts)UGH
Scrivener7
(59,287 posts)TheRickles
(3,311 posts)Maybe some medical flare-ups or family crises, but it'd provide a very brief window of opportunity for something positive to happen in Congress.
Callie1979
(1,274 posts)A Democrat would be Speaker till at least Jan & Trump would shit frisbees.
twodogsbarking
(18,361 posts)FakeNoose
(41,189 posts)
BumRushDaShow
(168,515 posts)and will add the latest count to LBN OPs each time another goes bye bye.
NJCher
(42,952 posts)BumRushDaShow
(168,515 posts)Capt. America
(2,562 posts)Dont want to be a part of it. They are taking their money and running. Also, its no fun being in the minority.