MANILA, Philippines — A record number of Texans are leaving Congress, signaling a dramatic shift in the state’s influence on Capitol Hill.
With U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales’ decision not to seek re-election and the primary defeat of U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, Texas is set to lose at least 12 members of the U.S. House since the start of 2025. An additional five could join that list depending on runoff elections and general election outcomes.
The departing members include:
- Republicans: Chip Roy (Austin), Morgan Luttrell (Magnolia), Wesley Hunt (Houston), Jodey Arrington (Lubbock), Troy Nehls (Richmond), Michael McCaul (Austin), Dan Crenshaw (Houston), Tony Gonzales (San Antonio)
- Democrats: Marc Veasey (Fort Worth), Jasmine Crockett (Dallas), Lloyd Doggett (Austin), Sylvester Turner (Houston, deceased)
This surpasses the previous Texas record of 10 House departures in 2018 and represents roughly one-third of the delegation, potentially rising to over 40% by November.
Experts note that seniority in Congress is a key factor in securing committee assignments, setting agendas, and influencing legislation. Losses of high-ranking members like Jodey Arrington, chairman of the House Budget Committee, Michael McCaul, former chairman of House Foreign Affairs, and Lloyd Doggett, the second-most senior Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee, could diminish Texas’ legislative clout.
The departures are also reflective of broader political trends. On the Republican side, members anticipating a minority status in the next Congress often retire, citing frustration over diminished influence. Nationally, 35 Republicans and 23 Democrats have left Congress or opted not to seek re-election since the start of 2025.
The mass turnover underscores the challenges Texas faces in maintaining influence in key committees and shaping federal policy, as the state prepares for what could be one of the most significant delegation changes in decades.