As the nation wraps up primary contests, a recent Get the Facts Data Team analysis reveals that 83 current members of Congress will not return after the 2026 elections. The tally includes 70 members of the House of Representatives and 13 U.S. senators who are retiring, seeking other offices, losing primaries or withdrawing from races.
House turnover: 16% of incumbents departing
Every two years, all 435 House seats are up for reelection. For the 2026 cycle, 16% of incumbents—30 retiring, 28 running for other offices, 11 defeated in primaries and one withdrawing—will leave the chamber. Texas has the highest number of departing representatives, with 12 members exiting; half of those are retiring. Some, such as Democratic Rep. Lloyd Doggett, chose retirement rather than run in Texas’s newly drawn congressional map, which now favors Republican candidates. Others, like Rep. Al Green, attempted to run in a new district but were defeated in the primary. Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett pursued a Senate bid but failed to secure the party’s nomination.
Florida follows with six House members departing, four of whom are retiring. The only Florida incumbent to lose a primary was Rep. Cory Mills.
Senate departures: One‑third of seats up for election
Senators serve six‑year terms, and roughly one‑third of the chamber is up for election every two years. Thirteen senators are slated to leave after 2026. Ten are retiring, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Two senators lost their primaries after former President Donald Trump declined to endorse them. Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville abandoned his reelection bid to run for governor.
Implications for the 2026 General Election
The upcoming November election will feature numerous open seats, creating competitive races in both chambers. Both major parties will aim to capture these vacancies to shift the balance of power in Congress. While the analysis does not project which party will gain the most seats, the sheer number of departures underscores a significant turnover that could reshape legislative priorities.
Members who resigned before the data collection date—such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene—and those who died and were replaced by successors are excluded from the count. The Get the Facts Data Team compiled the list by tracking the status of all sitting members as of mid‑August.
Key takeaways for voters
- Watch for open‑seat races in states with high turnover, especially Texas and Florida.
- Primary outcomes will be crucial, as several incumbents are seeking new offices or facing intra‑party challenges.
- Retirements of senior figures like Mitch McConnell may influence leadership dynamics in the Senate.
Voters should stay informed about candidate filings, primary dates and any redistricting changes that could affect their representation. The 2026 election promises a notable reshaping of Congress, with 83 seats—nearly one‑fifth of the combined House and Senate—set for new occupants.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
