Representative Troy Nehls Announces Retirement, Adding to Congressional Exodus
In a surprising announcement this Saturday, Representative Troy Nehls, a Texas Republican serving the 22nd district, revealed his decision to retire from Congress at the end of his current term. The three-term congressman made this personal choice after heartfelt discussions with his wife and three daughters over the Thanksgiving holiday. “I have made the decision… to focus on my family and return home after this Congress,” Nehls stated in his announcement. Before making his retirement public, Nehls personally called President Trump to inform him, noting that Trump “has always been a strong ally for our district and a true friend.” This gesture underscores the close political relationship Nehls has maintained with the former president throughout his congressional career.
Nehls brings to a close a remarkable career of public service spanning more than three decades across multiple domains. Before entering politics, he built an extensive resume in law enforcement, serving as a police officer, constable, and sheriff. He also dedicated time to the Army Reserve, bringing his military experience to bear on his congressional work. In the House, Nehls has been an active member of the Judiciary Committee and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, while also participating in the “Anti-Woke” Caucus. His congressional tenure has been marked by strong support for Trump’s policies, particularly regarding immigration enforcement. In his farewell statement, Nehls reflected on his journey, 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.”
The timing of Nehls’ announcement is particularly significant as it adds to a growing wave of congressional retirements ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. His departure joins several other Texas Republican colleagues who have already announced they won’t seek reelection, including Representatives Michael McCaul, Jodey Arrington, and Morgan Luttrell. Beyond Texas, the congressional exodus includes high-profile figures like Democratic Representative Nancy Pelosi of California, signaling a potential major shift in congressional leadership and experience. This trend of departures comes at a time when the average tenure for a House member in the 119th Congress stands at 8.6 years, highlighting concerns about the loss of institutional knowledge and experience in the legislative body.
The broader political context surrounding these retirements reveals deepening fissures within the Republican Party. Most notably, the public falling out between President Trump and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has resulted in Greene announcing her early departure from Congress in January, before completing her full term. These internal conflicts could significantly impact the party’s cohesion heading into the crucial midterm elections, where Republicans hope to maintain or expand their currently narrow majority in the House (219-213). Historically, the party not holding the White House tends to perform better in midterms, giving Republicans a potential advantage, but these internal divisions may complicate their electoral prospects.
The race to fill Nehls’ seat is already heating up, with Mayor Pro Tem Marquette Greene-Scott of Iowa Colony filing as a Democratic candidate according to FEC records. In an interesting twist, Nehls’ own twin brother, Trever Nehls, reportedly announced his candidacy in a now-deleted Facebook post on Saturday, suggesting he aims to “continue fighting for the people of this district” and “follow in Troy’s footsteps.” The district, which covers most of Fort Bend County, has been rated “Solid Republican” by the Cook Political Report, making it likely to remain in Republican hands. Candidates have until December 8 to file for candidacy, with the primary scheduled for March 3 and the general election set for November 3, 2026.
The wave of congressional retirements has sparked varied reactions across the political spectrum. The “Republicans Against Trump” account on social media characterized Nehls’ departure as part of “a growing wave of GOP lawmakers retiring ahead of what many expect to be a devastating midterm.” Meanwhile, Neera Tanden, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, responded with the ominous assessment that “The dam is breaking.” These retirements are occurring as both parties engage in battles over congressional redistricting, seeking more favorable maps to secure seats and potentially flip the House majority. As more representatives announce their departures, the 2026 midterms increasingly appear poised to usher in a significantly transformed Congress, with new faces, priorities, and perhaps even a shift in the balance of power between the parties.
