A contagion has been spreading through the House Republican caucus. It began with Michigan's Paul Mitchell, who announced on a Wednesday afternoon two weeks ago that he wouldn't run for reelection. Texas' Pete Olson followed suit the next day, and Alabama's Martha Roby that Friday, and Utah's Rob Bishop last Monday. It was practically newsworthy on Tuesday when no one retired that day. Then, on Wednesday, Texas' Mike Conaway said he would also step aside.
The real hammer-stroke came on Thursday, though, when Texas' Will Hurd joined the exodus. The decision shocked Republicans. The only black Republican in the House, Hurd was often described as a rising star within the party. That star also rested in a precarious sky: His district is the only one along the Mexican border that's not represented by a Democratic congressman. Its suburbs, once reliable red turf, are steadily turning blue.
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