Democratic retirements spark worry over holding House majority

Reps. Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) and Fred Upton (R-Mich.) are the latest lawmakers to announce that they won't seek re-election this year, bringing the total number of Democratic retirements to 31, compared with 18 Republicans.

Why it matters: The increasing number of Democratic retirements — put against the backdrop of President Biden's sagging approval ratings and uncertainty about redistricting — is adding to concerns the party may not be able to keep its slim majority in the House.

Driving the news: Axios is tracking the House retirements as the midterm election cycle ramps up. We will update this chart regularly.

By the numbers:

Democrats: 23 Democratic House members will retire in 2022 [see chart].

Eight are seeking other offices:

1. Anthony Brown (MD-04) — Running for Maryland attorney general
2. Conor Lamb (PA-17) — Running for Pennsylvania U.S. Senate seat
3. Val Demings (FL-10) — Running for Florida U.S. Senate seat
4. Tim Ryan (OH-13) — Running for Ohio U.S. Senate seat
5. Charlie Crist (FL-13) — Running for governor of Florida
6. Karen Bass (CA-37) — Running for mayor of Los Angeles
7. Peter Welch (VT) — Running for Vermont U.S. Senate seat
8. Tom Suozzi (NY-3) — Running for New York governor

Republicans: 11 Republican House members will retire [see chart].

• Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) retired to become CEO of former President Trump's media company. His resignation became effective at the end of December.

Seven are seeking other offices:

1. Lee Zeldin (NY-1) — Running for governor of New York
2. Billy Long (MO-7) — Running for Missouri U.S. Senate seat
3. Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) — Running for Missouri U.S. Senate seat
4. Mo Brooks (AL-5) — Running for Alabama U.S. Senate seat
5. Ted Budd (NC-3) — Running for North Carolina U.S. Senate seat
6. Jody Hice (GA-10) — Running for Georgia secretary of state
7. Louie Gohmert (TX-1) — Running for Texas attorney general