Georgia Rep Barry Loudermilk won’t seek re-election in 2026

Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election to a seventh term, becoming the latest Republican lawmaker to step down amid a growing wave of GOP retirements ahead of the next election cycle.

Loudermilk released a statement announcing his retirement, saying it had been a “tremendous honor” to represent the people of northwest Georgia for six terms.

He also said that during his term, he focused on upholding the U.S. Constitution and representing the 11th Congressional District.

“I first ran for Congress in 2014 and, as I stated then, representing the people in Congress is a service, not a career; and while I continue to enjoy the strong support of the people of the 11th Congressional District, I believe it is time to contribute to my community, my state and my nation in another way,” he said. “Therefore, I have decided not to seek re-election at the end of my current term in Congress.”

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Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., speaks during a House Select Subcommittee hearing Jan. 6 in the Rayburn House office building January 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)

Loudermilk said he has learned throughout his life that doing what is right is not always easy, popular or practical, and that he and his wife prayed and discussed the decision at length.

“It’s not an easy decision, but we think it’s the right one,” he said. “While serving my constituents in Congress is among my highest honors, being a husband, father and grandfather holds even greater importance to me, and right now I want to spend more time with my family.”

He concluded by thanking the people of his district for allowing him to serve, as well as his staff for their “outstanding service” to the district, state and nation.

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Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., chairs the House Administration Committee Oversight Subcommittee hearing on “Oversight of the Office of Inspector General of the United States Capitol Police” on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. (Getty Images)

Loudermilk’s decision comes as lawmakers from both parties consider the toll of another election cycle, with redistricting, an anticipated primary calendar and an increasingly national political climate influencing decisions ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Loudermilk is at least the 29th Republican to announce plans not to seek re-election at the end of the current term, part of a broader wave of departures from the House. Twenty-one House Democrats also announced they would not seek reelection.

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Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., attends the House Ways and Means Committee’s markup of the FY 2025 budget concurrent resolution reconciliation directive in the Longworth House Office Building on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (Bill Clark/Getty Images)

Last Tuesday, Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., said he would not seek reelection, ending a two-decade career in Washington at age 74.

“After 20 years of service, I feel this is the right time to pass the torch and begin a new chapter in my life,” Buchanan said in a statement.

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Other Republicans not seeking re-election include Reps. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, and Troy Nehls, R-Texas.

Elizabeth Elkind of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.