The record-setting pace of retirements from Congress continues, led by Republicans

[Dulcinea]

(NPR) One in eight members of Congress now say they plan to leave their current seats after this election cycle, the second-highest total in the last century.

According to NPR's congressional retirement tracker, as of March 5, there are 67 current representatives and senators who are retiring or running for a different office — 13 senators and 54 House members.

They include the surprise retirement announcements this week from Montana Republicans Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke and Utah Republican Rep. Burgess Owens' decision in the wake of that state's redistricting that adds a Democratic-leaning seat.

https://www.npr.org/2025/12/17/nx-s1-5647318/congress-retirement-2026-house-senate-primary

[Skittles]

1. bunch of COWARDS

they let Trump shit all over America and now they're running before all that shit hits the fan

FUCK them

[Fiendish Thingy]

9. Not all are cowards

A few, like Tillis, seem to have found their spines, and some of those few are openly opposing Trump.

They have done the math- rather than waste campaign funds on a bruising primary fight against a Trump-endorsed opponent, which they would surely lose, they can retire, and legally keep all their campaign funds.

My hope is that between now and November there will be enough republican retirees who no longer GAF if Trump tweets mean things about them, and who will, at least occasionally, vote against him.

But yes, the rest who continue to walk in lockstep towards retirement are the cowards they always were.

[Skittles]

10. yes they "find their spines" when they no longer need votes

UGH

[Scrivener7]

2. Rats on the sinking ship.

[TheRickles]

3. If they left now rather than waiting until the end of terms, there'd be a nice D majority.

Maybe some medical flare-ups or family crises, but it'd provide a very brief window of opportunity for something positive to happen in Congress.

[Callie1979]

12. if they really wanted to make a statement that would do it.

A Democrat would be Speaker till at least Jan & Trump would shit frisbees.

[twodogsbarking]

4. Where I grew up they would call that "cashing in their chips".

[FakeNoose]

5. This is what Democracy smells like ...

[BumRushDaShow]

6. I keep their tracker handy in a tab

and will add the latest count to LBN OPs each time another goes bye bye.

[NJCher]

7. That is much appreciated

[BumRushDaShow]

8. ...

[Capt. America]

11. They know impeachment is coming and they

Don’t want to be a part of it. They are taking their money and running. Also, it’s no fun being in the minority.