Congressional Republicans have yet to break the record for most retirements in a single year, but some say it’s only a matter of time before widespread frustration with the current state of Washington leads to a tipping point as many in the party head for the exits.
The 10 House Republicans seeking gubernatorial offices in their states this election cycle is the most who have run from either party in the available data compiled by CNN dating back to 1974. From Arizona to Florida to South Carolina, an increasing number of GOP lawmakers feel like they can better implement President Donald Trump’s agenda at the state level than as part of a narrow majority in Congress.
“I just think that I’ll have more impact as a chief executive versus being a legislator,” Rep. Tom Tiffany, who is running for governor of Wisconsin, told CNN. “The basic question is where can I do the most good for the people in the state of Wisconsin? And I believe that it is as governor.”
While most Republicans departing Congress leave behind them safe seats that will be easy for their party to fill, the departures underscore the broader discontent that members say comes with the job – from gridlock that makes it difficult to pass legislation to security threats they and their families face from being in the public eye.
Rep. Michael McCaul — who is retiring after two decades in the House, where he has served as chairman of the Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs Committees — told CNN that Congress has changed for the worse over his tenure.
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