Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has raised red flags about Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s decision to leave Congress, warning her colleagues that her departure signals deeper issues within the House. In an interview on Fox News’ ‘Jesse Watters Primetime,’ McCarthy described Greene as a ‘canary in the coal mine,’ suggesting that her resignation should serve as a wake-up call for lawmakers to confront the growing exodus of members, which could impact the upcoming midterm elections. Greene, a prominent voice in the Republican Party and Trump’s ardent supporter, cited her falling out with Trump and her party in her resignation announcement, highlighting a pivotal moment in the GOP’s internal dynamics.
Greene’s decision to step down comes amid a surge in congressional retirements, with nearly 40 members either leaving before their current terms end or announcing they won’t seek re-election in the 2026 midterms. Analysts note that this rise in retirements could significantly affect the balance of power in the House, where Republicans aim to maintain their fragile majority. David Wasserman, a senior editor at The Cook Report, stated that the pace of retirement announcements so far this cycle is above average, with five weeks remaining until the 2026 elections. Traditionally, such waves of resignations surge in the final months before congressional elections, often linked to the holiday season.
The retirements are split politically, with 16 Democrats and 22 Republicans exiting. While some of the Democrats retiring are senior members, such as the 85-year-old former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, most of the resigning Republicans are younger, indicating a broader dissatisfaction with the political climate in the House. Among those stepping down is Rep. Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, the House Budget Committee chair, who expressed a desire to transition from public office to a more fulfilling role as a steward of his community. Similarly, Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, a moderate Democrat, cited the increasing polarization and incivility in Congress as a primary reason for his departure.
Republican Rep. Don Bacon, who represents a swing district in Nebraska, echoed the sentiment of many colleagues, saying the political environment had become ‘increasingly unproductive.’ His resignation, like others, reflects a growing frustration with the partisan gridlock and the perception that the House has become a place of dysfunction rather than constructive governance. Former Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster, who retired a year ago, pointed to the shift from a more moderate political landscape to one dominated by hard-right partisans as a key factor in her decision.
Despite the exodus, many of the retiring lawmakers plan to run for statewide offices, indicating a potential realignment in political power at the state level. Analysts believe the focus on partisan battles, such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, has left little room for meaningful legislative achievements, prompting some to seek opportunities outside Congress. The ongoing tensions and public criticism, particularly with Greene’s resignation, underscore the growing divide within theRepublican Party and the impact of high-profile resignations on the political landscape.