More House Republicans are leaving Congress to run for governor than in decades amid frustration over ‘toxic environment’
The 10 House Republicans seeking gubernatorial offices in their states this election cycle is the most who have run from either party in the available data compiled by CNN dating back to 1974. Still, House Speaker Mike Johnson is confident that his party will hold onto the lower chamber in next year’s midterms. Asked what’s leading Republicans to retire from Congress, Johnson said on December 3, “These are not easy times. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementEleven House lawmakers – 10 Republicans and one Democrat – are currently running for governor, surpassing the previous record of nine lawmakers in 2018. Rep. Nancy Mace arrives for a House Republican conference meeting at the US Capitol on November 19, 2024.
Source: CNN December 25, 2025 09:56 UTC
