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:
- Anthony Brown (MD-04) — Running for Maryland attorney general
- Conor Lamb (PA-17) — Running for Pennsylvania U.S. Senate seat
- Val Demings (FL-10) — Running for Florida U.S. Senate seat
- Tim Ryan (OH-13) — Running for Ohio U.S. Senate seat
- Charlie Crist (FL-13) — Running for governor of Florida
- Karen Bass (CA-37) — Running for mayor of Los Angeles
- Peter Welch (VT) — Running for Vermont U.S. Senate seat
- 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:
- Lee Zeldin (NY-1) — Running for governor of New York
- Billy Long (MO-7) — Running for Missouri U.S. Senate seat
- Vicky Hartzler (MO-4) — Running for Missouri U.S. Senate seat
- Mo Brooks (AL-5) — Running for Alabama U.S. Senate seat
- Ted Budd (NC-3) — Running for North Carolina U.S. Senate seat
- Jody Hice (GA-10) — Running for Georgia secretary of state
- Louie Gohmert (TX-1) — Running for Texas attorney general