Threats, dysfunction and flying: Reasons for the rise in resignations in DC

WASHINGTON After more than 40 years in Congress, Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois is preparing to leave Washington next year. One thing he wont miss, he says, is the constant travel between the capital and his home state. First elected to the House in 1982, Durbin later spent five terms in the Senate, holding several top leadership roles along the way.

Durbins departure is part of a larger trend. Data compiled by Ballotpedia, NPR, and Axios shows that over 50 members of Congress are choosing not to seek reelection, with the majority coming from the House of Representatives. While turnover happens regularly, the current pace of exits is unusually high compared with recent years.

The departures come amid significant challenges for Congress. Political gridlock, exemplified by the record-long government shutdown, has left many lawmakers frustrated. Security concerns have intensified following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, while redistricting has altered the constituencies representatives serve.

Even after passing major domestic legislation earlier this year, many members express dissatisfaction with the balance of power, particularly as the executive branch increasingly encroaches on congressional authority over spending decisions. What I could achieve here pales compared to what I can do as a husband, father, and son, said Representative Jared Golden of Maine, explaining his decision to step down.

A Toxic Political Environment

Veteran Congressman Michael McCaul of Texas also cited the worsening political climate as a reason for leaving. Serving since 2005 and holding influential positions on foreign affairs and homeland security committees, McCaul called todays congressional environment toxic. He pointed to rising hostility in primaries and the loss of respected colleagues as contributing factors.

McCaul referenced the recent resignation of Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who criticized threats against her and the divisive tone of modern politics. Greene argued that, regardless of party, the system fails to serve ordinary Americans. Many lawmakers, including McCaul, sympathize with her assessment, noting that the current rhetoric is far from constructive.

Congress Waning Influence

Over the past few years, longstanding congressional norms have eroded, with the White House increasingly exerting influence over budgetary decisions. Federal agencies have delayed or cut funding for programs in ways that lawmakers and watchdogs have challenged, contributing to frustration over Congress diminishing role in governance.

The recent government shutdown illustrated these tensions. Members of the House were kept away from the capital for nearly two months, stalling votes, hearings, and swearing-in ceremonies. Lawmakers like Representative Kevin Kiley of California expressed frustration at the difficulty of accomplishing legislative goals under these conditions.

Yet there are signs that Congress can still act. The Epstein Files Transparency Act, which mandates public release of legally available information regarding Jeffrey Epstein investigations, passed Congress and was signed into law. For proponents like Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, this success shows that lawmakers can still achieve meaningful results, even amid a challenging political climate.

"One reason people leave is that its demoralizing to feel like a rubber stamp," Massie said. "But this shows Congress can still get things done."

Author: Sophia Brooks