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Republican Rep. Neal Dunn of Florida announced Tuesday he will not seek re-election to Congress, adding his name to a growing list of lawmakers stepping away from Capitol Hill ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
Dunn, a physician and Army surgeon who has served five terms representing Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, cited a desire to return to his Panama City home and spend more time with family as primary motivations for his departure.
“It has been my greatest honor to fight for lower taxes, our military and veterans, the unborn, healthcare innovation, and policies that empower Americans over bureaucracy and addressing threats from Communist China, Russia and others,” Dunn said in his statement. “I am deeply grateful for your trust, support, and prayers over these years.”
The Florida congressman’s decision reflects a broader exodus taking place in Congress. According to the U.S. House of Representatives Press Gallery’s “Casualty List,” 49 House members – 22 Democrats and 27 Republicans – have announced they will not seek re-election in the 2026 cycle as of mid-January.
This significant turnover comes as both parties position themselves for a critical midterm election that could reshape the balance of power in Washington. Republicans currently hold a razor-thin majority in the House, a margin that has grown even more precarious following the January resignation of former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and the death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa of California that same week.
The special election to fill Greene’s vacant seat is scheduled for March 10, an early test of voter sentiment heading into the midterm season.
While many departing lawmakers like Dunn are retiring outright, others are seeking to advance their political careers through bids for higher office. Rep. Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican, has launched a campaign for governor in her home state, while Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California is pursuing the governorship there.
In Texas, Republican Rep. Chip Roy is running for state attorney general, and Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett has announced a Senate bid, challenging incumbent Republican Sen. John Cornyn.
The unusual level of congressional turnover reflects several underlying factors shaping American politics, including heightened polarization, the challenges of serving in a narrowly divided Congress where legislation often stalls, and the personal toll that public service takes on lawmakers and their families.
For Dunn, who has focused on healthcare innovation, military affairs, and economic policies during his tenure, the decision marks the end of a congressional career that began in 2017. Prior to entering politics, he built his reputation as a surgeon and veteran, experiences that informed his approach to legislation and constituent services.
The wave of retirements has caught the attention of President Donald Trump, who recently addressed Republican lawmakers during a GOP retreat at the Kennedy Center. Trump emphasized the importance of maintaining Republican control of the House in the upcoming midterms.
“They say that when you win the presidency, you lose the midterms. You gotta win the midterms,” Trump told the assembled lawmakers, adding with characteristic bluntness, “Because if we don’t win the midterms… they’ll find a reason to impeach me. I’ll get impeached.”
Political analysts suggest the unusual number of congressional departures could reshape the legislative landscape in Washington. New members typically bring fresh perspectives and priorities, but the loss of institutional knowledge and established working relationships across party lines can further complicate an already challenging legislative environment.
For Florida’s 2nd District, Dunn’s retirement will likely trigger a competitive primary race to replace him in the reliably Republican region, which encompasses parts of the Florida Panhandle.
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10 Comments
It’s interesting to see this political shift in Congress with so many lawmakers deciding to step down. Wonder what this might mean for the upcoming midterm elections and the balance of power going forward.
You raise a good point. The significant turnover could certainly impact the political landscape and key issues. Will be interesting to see how the parties position themselves to fill these open seats.
As a physician and Army surgeon, Rep. Dunn likely brought an important healthcare and military lens to his work in Congress. His retirement is a loss of that expertise and experience.
The desire to spend more time with family is an understandable reason for Rep. Dunn’s retirement. After 5 terms in office, he’s likely earned a chance to step back and enjoy the next chapter.
It’s noteworthy that both Democrats and Republicans are seeing a significant number of retirements ahead of the 2026 elections. This bipartisan trend suggests broader factors at play beyond just partisan politics.
The growing list of lawmakers stepping away from Capitol Hill raises questions about the health and direction of the legislative branch. Voters will be looking for capable leaders to step up and fill these open seats.
Rep. Dunn seems to have had a strong focus on conservative priorities like taxes, military, and healthcare during his time in Congress. His decision to retire after 5 terms reflects the broader trends we’re seeing.
Indeed, his policy focus aligns with the Republican platform. It will be crucial for the party to find a candidate that can energize voters in that district and maintain their hold on the seat.
With nearly 50 House members not seeking re-election, this is a significant shift in the makeup of Congress. I wonder what sort of new voices and perspectives will emerge to fill those open seats.
That’s a great question. The incoming class of representatives could bring fresh ideas and approaches to addressing the nation’s challenges. It will be interesting to see how the dynamics in Congress evolve as a result.