Congress is witnessing a growing wave of retirements fueled in part by frustration over the historic government shutdown, which has stretched to a record 38 days and counting. Many legislators who were already disillusioned with the slow and gridlocked nature of Congress now find their pessimism deepened by the extended recess and lack of productivity.
Representative Becca Balint (D-Vt.) expressed that the shutdown exacerbates longstanding frustrations, noting that the House has been out of session during the entire shutdown period. She highlighted how the Speaker’s ceding of power to the executive branch makes it increasingly difficult for members to effectively represent their constituents.
One of the most prominent recent retirements is that of Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine), only 43 and serving his fourth term, who shocked Capitol Hill by announcing his decision to step down. In an op-ed, Golden cited the unpleasant political environment and the historic shutdown milestone as key factors for his exit. He stated candidly that he no longer fears losing elections but rather dreads winning amidst such dysfunction. As a centrist often critical of his own party, Golden’s departure poses a significant challenge for Democrats, as they must defend his competitive seat.
Other lawmakers echo similar sentiments. Rep. Chuy García (D-Ill.), retiring largely over family and health considerations, also acknowledged the frustration with the shutdown and loss of congressional authority amid the House leadership’s actions during the crisis. Republican Rep. Don Bacon (Neb.) cited family reasons for retiring but admitted that he resonated with Golden’s feelings about the discouragement of continuing another term.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, defending the recess decision, pointed to efforts made by the House to pass a stopgap spending bill, which Senate Democrats blocked, arguing there is little left to negotiate. Still, as of early November, a record 31 House members have announced plans to retire or seek other offices with months remaining before filing deadlines, a number expected to rise further amid redistricting changes and heightened partisan pressures.
Many senior Democrats, including those in their 70s and 80s, are stepping aside due to grassroots demands for new leadership. Behind these retirements lies growing disillusionment with persistent partisanship, political stunts, and declining legislative productivity, all contributing to lawmakers’ dissatisfaction. The chaotic speaker vacancy caused by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s ouster in 2023 and ongoing brinkmanship has only intensified these feelings.
Inside Congress, members speak candidly about the challenges of the job — including violence, polarization, travel burdens, and stagnant pay increases — making it increasingly a difficult and unrewarding career path. For many, the shutdown merely underscores a Congress that feels dysfunctional and hampers hope for meaningful progress.
