Most departing House members are retiring or running for another office
House members whose departure was determined before each year’s general election, by type of departure
Note: “Retired” means the incumbent neither sought reelection to the House nor ran for any other elective office. “Vacant” includes incumbents who resigned or died before their terms ended and were not replaced via a special election, and incumbents who sought office in a different district. 2026 figures are as of Sept. 14.
Source: Pew Research Center analysis of election results.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
Most departing House members are retiring or running for another office
House members whose departure was determined before each year’s general election, by type of departure
| Year | Retired | Ran for another office | Lost primary | Vacant |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 50 | 15 | 19 | 2 |
| 1994 | 26 | 21 | 4 | 1 |
| 1996 | 34 | 16 | 2 | 1 |
| 1998 | 19 | 14 | 1 | 0 |
| 2000 | 20 | 10 | 3 | 2 |
| 2002 | 18 | 17 | 8 | 3 |
| 2004 | 17 | 12 | 2 | 2 |
| 2006 | 11 | 16 | 2 | 4 |
| 2008 | 24 | 8 | 3 | 1 |
| 2010 | 19 | 17 | 4 | 2 |
| 2012 | 24 | 15 | 13 | 5 |
| 2014 | 24 | 17 | 4 | 3 |
| 2016 | 27 | 14 | 5 | 2 |
| 2018 | 31 | 21 | 4 | 7 |
| 2020 | 26 | 10 | 8 | 5 |
| 2022 | 33 | 16 | 14 | 3 |
| 2024 | 28 | 18 | 4 | 3 |
| 2026 | 33 | 28 | 11 | 2 |
Note: “Retired” means the incumbent neither sought reelection to the House nor ran for any other elective office. “Vacant” includes incumbents who resigned or died before their terms ended and were not replaced via a special election, and incumbents who sought office in a different district. 2026 figures are as of Sept. 14.
Source: Pew Research Center analysis of election results.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER
