At least a quarter of Texas’ congressional delegation is retiring next year, a massive departure that will weaken the state’s clout in the U.S. House and force its members to rebuild Texas’ oft-cited prestige on Capitol Hill.
The numbers: Nine members of Congress from Texas — six Republicans and three Democrats — have announced they will depart at the end of this term. In addition, four incumbents are facing serious primary challengers. The new representative from Texas’s 18th Congressional District, who will be elected in a Jan. 30 runoff, will face either a primary with U.S. Rep. Al Green or abort their short-lived congressional career, guaranteeing at least one more departure.
In total, between 10 and 17 Texas members could end up leaving next year.
