Sep 14, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Rep. Michael McCaul won't seek reelection in 2026

Andrew Solender

Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) departs a House Republican Conference meeting at the U.S. Capitol on March 11, 2025. Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images.

Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said Sunday he will retire when his term ends rather than seek reelection.

Why it matters: McCaul, a former chair of the House Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs Committee, is one of a dwindling breed of establishment Republicans who staunchly support Ukraine.

His announcement comes as a growing wave of House members are leaving the chamber, either to seek other office or to retire from politics altogether.
McCaul had previously been floated as a U.S. Senate candidate, but he did not announce plans to seek another office on Sunday.

What they're saying: "It's been an honor to serve for over two decades in Congress. I'm looking now for a new challenge," McCaul, who was first elected in 2004, said on ABC's "This Week."

He told host Martha Raddatz that he will seek a role in foreign policy or national security, but in "another realm" than Congress.

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Rep. Michael McCaul won't seek reelection in 2026

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