
During Donald Trump’s first presidential term, turnover among Republicans in the House reached an all-time high. Nearly 47 percent of Republican members who were in office when Trump was sworn in had left by the time he ran for reelection — a record high over the past 60 years.
And last cycle, dozens of House members decided not to run for reelection — no surprise, considering it was one of the most unproductive sessions of Congress in U.S. history.
We might not see that same level of turnover this time, now that the House Republican Conference is dominated by Trump loyalists who have an opportunity to enact his agenda this year. And with Democrats only four seats away from taking a majority, members in the minority have an incentive to wait out the next two years.
But there are still dozens of potential open seats to keep an eye on. With 16 governors facing term limits next year, and several senators potentially retiring, many House members are eyeing bids for higher office in 2026.
Already, three House seats opened up
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