Representative Troy Nehls, a Texas Republican, announced Saturday that he will retire from the U.S. House at the end of his term, joining a growing number of lawmakers who plan to step away from office in the near future.
Why It Matters
The upcoming midterm elections arrive at a moment of visible strain within the Republican Party, including the highly publicized rift between President Donald Trump and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. Their clash culminated in Greene announcing she will leave office in January before her term concludes.
The average length of service for a House member in the 119th Congress is 8.6 years. Several lawmakers have already said they will not seek reelection in 2026, among them Democratic Representative Nancy Pelosi of California. Historically, the party that does not control the White House often gains ground in midterm contests.
Both parties are also pressing for redrawn congressional maps, seeking more favorable district lines that could translate into additional seats and, ultimately, control of the House. Republicans currently maintain a slim majority, 219-213.
What To Know
In his Saturday announcement, Nehls, who represents Texas’ 22nd District, wrote:
“I have made the decision, after conversations with my beautiful bride and my girls over the Thanksgiving holiday, to focus on my family and return home after this Congress.”
Nehls has three daughters.
The three-term congressman has spent more than three decades in law enforcement and the military, serving as a police officer, constable and sheriff, as well as in the Army Reserve. In Congress, he sits on the House Judiciary Committee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and is a member of the “Anti-Woke” Caucus.
His statement continued:
“Before making this decision, I called President Trump personally to let him know of my plans. President Trump has always been a strong ally for our district and a true friend, and I wanted him to hear it from me first.”
Nehls has been a staunch ally of Trump and a vocal supporter of the former president’s hardline approach to illegal immigration and other key policy positions.
Concluding his announcement, Nehls said:
“Serving this country in the military, serving our community in law enforcement, and serving this district in Congress has been the honor of my life. Thank you for your trust, your friendship, and your prayers.”
Texas’ 22nd District covers most of Fort Bend County and is rated “Solid Republican” by the Cook Political Report. Iowa Colony Mayor Pro Tem Marquette Greene-Scott has entered the race as a Democrat, according to an FEC filing. On Facebook, Nehls’ twin brother, Trever, announced his own candidacy for the seat on Saturday.
Texas Republicans Representatives Michael McCaul, Jodey Arrington and Morgan Luttrell also announced earlier this fall that they will not run for reelection.
What People Are Saying
The X account Republicans Against Trump posted on Saturday:
“JUST IN: Texas Republican Rep. Troy Nehls, one of Trump’s closest allies, says he won’t seek reelection in 2026. He’s the latest in a growing wave of GOP lawmakers retiring ahead of what many expect to be a devastating midterm.”
On Facebook, Trever Nehls wrote:
“I am honored to announce my candidacy for Congressional District 22 to continue fighting for the people of this district. District 22 needs a Representative who will follow in Troy’s footsteps and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump to defend our conservative values, secure the border, protect our families, and oppose the reckless and radical agenda that Democrats continue to press upon the American people. I’m ready to take up that fight.”
Neera Tanden, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, responded on X to news of Nehls’ retirement by writing:
“The dam is breaking.”
What Happens Next?
Candidates have until the evening of December 8 to officially file for the seat. The primary is scheduled for March 3, and the general election will take place on November 3, 2026.
