Another House Republican is heading for the exits, adding to the growing list of GOP departures under Speaker Mike Johnson’s leadership.
U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election. First elected in 2014, Loudermilk is the fourth Georgia Republican to opt out of another House run, joining former U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, U.S. Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA), and U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA).
Loudermilk is now the 30th House Republican to retire or pursue another office, according to the U.S. House Casualty List.
Last week, Cook Political Report’s Dave Wasserman warned that the battleground map is narrow but still dangerous for Republicans: “Today, we only see 18 out of 435 races as toss-ups, but Republicans would need to win two-thirds of the toss-up column to hold their House majority.”
He added that Democrats are “modest favorites” to win back the House.
Johnson’s cushion is so slim that, in January, he reportedly urged Republican lawmakers to “take vitamins”—a nod to how little room the party has for absences, illness, or unexpected vacancies.
Still, Republicans are expected to keep Loudermilk’s suburban Atlanta seat. According to Politico, “Republicans will expect to retain Loudermilk’s seat in suburban Atlanta in November, which he won by 34 points in 2024.”
