More than 20 ambitious House members are already sizing up runs for higher office in 2026, we have learned.

Why it matters: This massive cohort could cause migraines for Speaker Mike Johnson, as ambitious Republicans pursue their dreams with little to no regard for his impossibly thin majority.

• For Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, ambitious members will make it harder to pounce on opportunities created by Johnson's margin problems.
• Both sides are trying to maximize attendance and minimize early retirements in one of the most closely divided Houses in history.

Driving the news: The scale of House members eyeing bids for higher office is greater than is publicly known, lawmakers and staff tell us.

• Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) told us "folks have talked about" him running for governor and he is "not actively seeking it nor ruling it out."
• Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) is being encouraged to run for governor and is considering it.
• Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) is weighing a Senate run if Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) retires.
• Rep. Greg Landsman (D-Ohio) may run for Vice President-elect Vance's Senate seat if outgoing Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) doesn't.
• Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) is also considering a run for governor.
• Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) is seen as a potential candidate for governor, we previously reported.
• Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), who has floated a run for governor, is also considering vying to replace Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).
• Rep. Joe Neguse (D-Colo.) is a potential candidate for statewide office in Colorado.
• Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) is being encouraged to run for governor.
• Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) told us he is "considering both" challenging Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) or a run for governor.

Zoom in: That's on top of the names already running or considering bids for other offices.

• For governor: Reps. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), Kevin Hern (R-Okla.), Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), John Rose (R-Tenn.), Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) and Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.).
• For Senate: Reps. Andy Barr (R-Ky.), Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), Clay Higgins (R-La.), Ronny Jackson (R-Texas), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Mike Carey (R-Ohio) and Warren Davidson (R-Ohio).

Zoom out: House members have fled the lower chamber at a historic clip, with many saying it's dysfunctional and toxic.

• Congressional leaders will have to deal with cash-strapped members looking to jump ship early for a private-sector payout.

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— Andrew Solender and Hans Nichols

Six lawmakers have participated in every vote of the 118th Congress, according to data by Quorum.

Why it matters: House and Senate whips know something about counting votes. They also know not to miss them.

• Incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune (currently the Senate GOP whip) and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark had perfect voting attendance in the 118th Congress.
• Whips function as their party's truancy officers. That explains their perfect attendance.

Zoom in: Four other lawmakers — two in the House and two in the Senate — also made every vote over the last two years.

• They don't have an easy explanation for their flawless record, other than serving their constituents well.

— Hans Nichols and Kathleen Hunter