Congress Is Broken—And Lawmakers Are Finally Leaving

21 Feb 2026 · 1 min

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At least 61 members of Congress are leaving at the end of this term, the largest exodus in over 30 years. Mitch McConnell and Dick Durbin are among them. Lawmakers cite burnout and polarization, with one Maine representative saying he dreads winning reelection.

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According to the Washington Times, at least 61 members of Congress, 52 House members, and nine senators have announced they'll retire or leave at the end of the term. This the biggest wave of departures in more than three decades. Brookings data cited in the story suggest it's among the largest in roughly a century. Departures include major Senate names like Mitch McConnell, the former Republican leader, and Dick Durbin, a leading Democrat, plus House members running for Senate and governor. The article frames the exits as a mix of burnout, polarization and frustration with legislative dysfunction. The finding, quote, comes from Representative Jared golden of Maine said, quote, I don't fear losing. I now dread the prospect of winning. That's the sound of an institution losing its ability to persuade even its own members. The job is worth doing.