Congressman Troy Nehls Announces Retirement, Twin Brother Steps Up to Run

In a surprising announcement this past weekend, Representative Troy Nehls of Texas revealed his decision to step away from Congress after his current term expires in 2026. The Republican congressman, who has represented Texas’s 22nd district since 2021, explained that after deep reflection and heartfelt conversations with his family over Thanksgiving, he has chosen to prioritize his personal life after decades of public service. “After more than 30 years in law enforcement serving and protecting my community as a police officer, constable, Fort Bend County Sheriff, an Army veteran, and six years representing this district in Congress, I have made the decision to focus on my family and return home after this Congress,” Nehls shared in a personal message on social media platform X. His announcement demonstrates the difficult balance many public servants face between their commitment to constituents and responsibilities to loved ones.

The 57-year-old congressman, a staunch supporter of former and future President Donald Trump, showed his respect for their political alliance by personally informing Trump of his decision before making it public. “President Trump has always been a strong ally for our district and a true friend, and I wanted him to hear it from me first,” Nehls explained, highlighting the personal relationship that has developed between the two men. Throughout his time in Congress, Nehls has been an unwavering advocate for Trump’s policies, particularly regarding immigration enforcement. Just recently, the House Judiciary Committee advanced his legislation aimed at removing obstacles to the deportation of undocumented immigrants, with Senator Marsha Blackburn introducing similar measures in the Senate. His loyalty extended beyond policy support – Nehls also co-sponsored creative proposals to honor Trump, including placing the president’s image on the $100 bill and renaming Dulles International Airport after him.

Nehls’ career in public service extends far beyond his time in Washington. Before entering politics, he served honorably in the U.S. Army Reserves, including combat deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan. His commitment to community safety also manifested in a lengthy law enforcement career. This diverse background in military and civilian protection roles informed his approach to governance and shaped his perspective on national security issues. In his retirement announcement, Nehls reflected on this lifetime of service with evident pride, saying, “Serving this country in the military, serving our community in law enforcement, and serving this district in Congress has been the honor of my life.” His gratitude toward his constituents was clear as he thanked them for “your trust, your friendship, and your prayers.”

The political landscape shifts dramatically with each congressional retirement, and Nehls joins a growing contingent of Republican representatives who have decided not to seek reelection. Earlier this month, high-profile congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia announced she would step down in January amid reported tensions with Trump. These departures reflect the personal toll of public office and potentially signal broader realignments within the Republican Party as it prepares for Trump’s return to the White House. However, unlike many retiring representatives whose seats become competitive open races, Nehls’ district may maintain continuity of representation in an unexpected way – through family ties.

In a twist that caught many political observers by surprise, immediately following Troy Nehls’ retirement announcement, his identical twin brother Trever Nehls declared his intention to run for the soon-to-be-vacant congressional seat. “I am honored to announce my candidacy for Congressional District 22 to continue fighting for the people of this district,” the elder Nehls brother (by minutes) shared on Facebook. This unusual political succession plan presents voters with the opportunity to maintain policy continuity while bringing fresh energy to their representation. Trever Nehls positioned himself as the natural heir to his brother’s legislative approach, promising to “follow in Troy’s footsteps and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump to defend our conservative values, secure the border, protect our families, and oppose the reckless and radical agenda that Democrats continue to press upon the American people.”

The Nehls brothers’ political handoff creates a unique scenario where constituents might essentially vote for familiar representation through a different family member. While uncommon, this approach isn’t unprecedented in American politics, where political dynasties have been a recurring feature from the Adams and Roosevelt families to the Kennedys, Bushes, and Clintons. For Texas’s 22nd district, which has consistently supported conservative policies, Trever Nehls presents himself as a continuation of his brother’s work rather than a significant departure. This arrangement potentially offers voters both change and stability – a new representative who shares not only ideology but DNA with their current congressman. As the 2026 election approaches, the district will have time to assess whether this family succession plan aligns with their expectations for congressional representation.