WASHINGTON–Are more members of the current Congress opting not to run for re-election in November than in years past, or does it just feel that way?
To date, BallotPedia.org reports that as of April 2022, 54 members of Congress—six members of the Senate and 48 members of the House—have announced they will not seek re-election. Of those, 38 members—six senators and 32 representatives—have announced their retirement. Five retiring Senate members are Republicans and one is a Democrat, and of the retiring House members, 22 are Democrats and 10 are Republicans. Sixteen U.S. House members are running for other offices.
As CUToday.info reported, for example, among those not running for re-election is Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), a long-time credit union supporter.
On Par With Prior Years
But while it feels like more members of Congress are opting not to return to Washington (at least as elected officials), Ballotpedia is reporting the numbers are in line with prior years. The organization reported that between January 2011 and February 2022, a total of 295 incumbents retired from the U.S. House and Senate. Out of every election cycle from 2012 to 2020, the 2018 cycle had the highest number of retirements at 55, and the 2020 cycle had the fewest with 40 announcements. From 2011 to 2021, there were an average of 26 announcements per year.
“Retirements sometimes come in waves,” said Brad Thaler, VP-legislative affairs with NAFCU. “It goes back and forth. There are a number of members who have been here a while. The Democrats have been in majority and some believe they may not be in majority in the next Congress. Washington has changed. Some members who came to Washington a long time ago are now in a different environment. Some who have served their time and looking to retire or move on to other opportunities given the difficult situation in Congress.”
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