5 Facts You Need to Know About Congressional Retirements
From coast to coast, the political world is increasingly focused on the November midterm elections. Republicans are trying to hold on to their majority in both the House and the Senate, while Democrats are strategizing how they can pull ahead in close races.
In stark contrast to this frenzy, many of Washington’s elected officials have their sights set on retirement. A record number of members of Congress have announced they will not be seeking re-election, which could have tremendous implications for Capitol Hill and the majorities in each chamber.
This rash of retirements is unusual; it is the second highest number since World War II. (The year with the highest number was 1992, when 67 members of Congress retired.) This record is fueled largely by the flight of House members. This year, 55 members are not seeking re-election, compared with 40 members in 2016 and 41 members in 2014. In contrast, the Senate retirement numbers are lower than in years past. So far, there have been three announced retirements in 2018, compared with five retirements in 2016 and 10 retirements in 2014.
Here are five facts to know about the record number of retirements in Congress:
1. At least 43 Republican House members and three senators have announced they will not be seeking re-election, according to PBS News. Some of these retirees, including Reps. Paul Ryan and Darrell Issa and Sens. Orrin Hatch and Jeff Flake, are among the most high-profile lawmakers on Capitol Hill. The Republican House members not running for re-election represent districts in Pennsylvania, Virginia, California, Washington, Michigan, Florida, California, New Jersey, Mississippi, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Tennessee, and South Carolina. The Republican senators not running for re-election are from Tennessee, Arizona, and Utah.
2. Of these 43 Republican House members, at least 13 are running for higher office. This includes Republicans Martha McSally, who is running for Senator Jeff Flake of Arizona’s seat, Ron DeSantis, who is running for governor of Florida, and Diane Black, who is running for governor of Tennessee. These officials also represent districts in South Dakota, Ohio, Idaho, New Mexico, West Virginia, Indiana (2), Pennsylvania, North Dakota, and Tennessee.
3. Seventeen congressional Democrats have announced their retirements or candidacies for higher offices. According to CNN, the nine Democratic House members retiring from politics altogether represent districts in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Texas, Illinois, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Connecticut. The eight Democratic House members running for higher office include Michelle Lujan Grisham running for governor of New Mexico, Tim Walz running for governor of Minnesota, and Jacky Rosen running for Dean Heller of Nevada’s seat. These officials also represent districts in Colorado, Maryland, Hawaii, Texas, and Arizona.
4. Democrats are trying to leverage these openings to win back the House and the Senate. Right now, the party needs to gain 23 seats in the House and flip two seats in the Senate to secure a majority in both chambers. The Democrats have momentum; according to CNN, the most recent election filing showed that more than three dozen Democratic House candidates out-fundraised Republican incumbents. Seven of California’s House seats held by Republicans are among this cycle’s most competitive races. So are districts that President Trump won, including Iowa’s 1st District, Minnesota’s 8th District, and Nebraska’s 2nd District.
5. While there are a higher number of retirees in Congress than in years past, there is also still plenty of longevity. Don Young (Alaska) is the longest-serving Republican member of the House of Representatives, having started his tenure in 1973. Steny Hoyer (Maryland) is the longest serving Democratic member of the House of Representatives, having started his tenure in 1981. Orrin Hatch (Utah) is the longest serving Republican senator, having started his tenure in 1977. And Patrick Leahy (Vermont) is the longest serving Democratic senator, having started his tenure in 1975.
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