House Republican Troy Nehls won't seek re-election in 2026

Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, announced Saturday that he would not seek re-election next year.

Nehls, a close ally of President Donald Trump who co-sponsored legislation that proposed putting the president on the $100 bill and renaming the Washington area’s Dulles International Airport after Trump, said he came to his decision after consulting his family during the Thanksgiving holiday — and that he intends to “focus on my family and return home after this Congress.”

Nehls said he called Trump to let him know of his plans.

“President Trump has always been a strong ally for our district and a true friend, and I wanted him to hear it from me first,” Nehls wrote on X.

“Serving this country in the military, serving our community in law enforcement, and serving this district in Congress has been the honor of my life. Thank you for your trust, your friendship, and your prayers,” Nehls added.

Nehls has served in Congress since 2021. He won his election in 2020 with 51.5% of his district’s vote, later increasing his margin to win more than 62% in 2022 and 2024.

Nehls’ announcement adds to uncertainty for House Republicans. Their majority — 219 to 213 — will shrink after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., resigns effective early January. A number of other Republicans — and Democrats — have said they will retire or seek other office next year.

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Shortly after Nehls’ announcement Saturday, his twin brother, Trever Nehls, announced he would seek his brother’s open seat.

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“I want to thank my brother for his decades of service in the military and in law enforcement where we served together,” Trever Nehls wrote.

“District 22 needs a Representative who will follow in Troy’s footsteps and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump to defend our conservative values, secure the border, protect our families, and oppose the reckless and radical agenda that Democrats continue to press upon the American people. I’m ready to take up that fight,” he added.

According to a Texas Legislative Council analysis of new district lines, Trump won 59% of the vote in the district in 2024 and 57% in 2020.