Texas is set to lose a record number of members of Congress heading into the next election cycle, a development that could significantly weaken the state’s influence on Capitol Hill.
At least 12 members of the Texas delegation will not return to the U.S. House next year, surpassing the previous state record set in 2018 when 10 lawmakers either retired, sought other office, or lost reelection.
The latest additions to the growing list came after U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio, announced he would not seek reelection and U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, R-Houston, suffered a surprising defeat in his primary race.
The departing lawmakers include both Republicans and Democrats from across the state:
Chip Roy (R-Austin)
Morgan Luttrell (R-Magnolia)
Wesley Hunt (R-Houston)
Jodey Arrington (R-Lubbock)
Troy Nehls (R-Richmond)
Michael McCaul (R-Austin)
Dan Crenshaw (R-Houston)
Tony Gonzales (R-San Antonio)
Marc Veasey (D-Fort Worth)
Jasmine Crockett (D-Dallas)
Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin)
Sylvester Turner (D-Houston)
Turner’s seat became vacant after the Houston Democrat died in office last year.
Political analysts note that the turnover could climb even higher. Another five seats remain uncertain depending on the outcomes of runoff elections and competitive general election races later this year.
Overall, eight Republicans and three Democrats have already announced plans to leave Congress since the start of 2025.
The large turnover means roughly one-third of Texas’ congressional delegation will change hands by next year. If additional races flip or incumbents are defeated, that number could exceed 40 percent.
The exodus marks a sharp contrast with Texas’ political history. For decades, incumbents often held their seats for long periods with minimal turnover. In the decade leading up to 2018, only 10 Texas members of Congress either retired or were defeated in total.
The loss of senior lawmakers carries significant consequences for Texas’ influence in Washington.
Seniority plays a critical role in determining committee assignments, legislative priorities, and leadership positions. Lawmakers with more experience often gain greater authority over which bills move forward and how policy is shaped.
Among the most notable departures is Rep. Jodey Arrington, who currently serves as chairman of the House Budget Committee. Rep. Michael McCaul, a longtime figure in foreign policy debates and former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is also leaving.
On the Democratic side, Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Austin — the second-most senior Democrat on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee — is stepping down, along with Rep. Marc Veasey of Fort Worth, who had built influence on the House Commerce Committee.
Observers say the unusually high number of Republican departures could also reflect broader political uncertainty ahead of the next midterm elections. Historically, retirements tend to increase when members of the majority party believe they could lose control of the House.
Since the start of 2025, at least 35 Republicans and 23 Democrats nationwide have announced they will not seek reelection or have already left Congress.
The wave of departures from Texas could reshape the state’s representation in Washington for years to come.
