USA

Florida Republican announces he will retire from House after term ends

Rep. Daniel Webster (R-Fla.) announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election after his term ends, joining dozens of Republicans who have chosen to leave their positions due to congressional dysfunction.

So far, 36 House Republicans have voted (including Webster, the latest). AnnouNthey will Many leave their seats at the end of their terms, citing regulatory gridlock, family commitments or a desire to make room for the next generation of leaders. Some are running for Senate or governor.

That surpasses the record set in the 2018 midterms, when 34 House Republicans said they would not seek re-election and Democrats regained control of the House during President Trump’s first term.

Webster, 77, said in a statement that “it is time to pass the torch to the next conservative leader and spend more valuable time with my wife, children and 24 grandchildren.”

“There’s a lot of work to be done before Congress closes, and I’m fully focused on finishing the job strong. This year, Transportation and Infrastructure is working on the critical once-in-a-decade transportation reauthorization bill that will fund America’s roads, highways, bridges, transit, and our rail system. I will continue to work to get across the finish line bills that will leverage private investment to fund public infrastructure projects, ensuring that America, not China or any other competitor, remains a leader in space exploration, and that the United States will remain a leader in space exploration.” Webster, who will set the standards, added in his statement, “We maintain our technological advantages.”

Webster’s retirement, along with others, complicates matters for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who hopes to fend off a blue wave in the 2026 midterm elections and maintain his razor-thin majority next year.

Of the 36 House Republicans who left Congress, 10 are running for governor: Reps. David Schweikert (Ariz.), Tom Tiffany (Wis.), Nancy Mace (S.C.), Ralph Norman (S.C.), Dusty Johnson (SD), Randy Feenstra (Iowa), John James (Mich.), John Rose (Tenn.), Byron Donalds (Fla.) and Andy Biggs (Ariz.). Meanwhile, Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) is running for attorney general in Texas.

Other Republican members are running for the Senate and haven’t given up on Congress entirely. The list includes Reps. Kevin Hern (Okla.), Julia Letlow (La.), Harriet Hageman (Wyo.), Barry Moore (Ala.), Mike Collins (Ga.), Buddy Carter (Ga.), Andy Barr (Ky.) and Ashley Hinson (Iowa).

Head to The Hill for the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video.