House Republican Troy Nehls will not seek re-election in 2026

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

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

Nehls said he called Trump to tell him his plans.

“President Trump has always been a strong ally to our district and a true friend, and I wanted him to hear that 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, friendship and prayers,” Nehls added.

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

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

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

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

“District 22 needs a representative who will follow in Troy’s footsteps and stand 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 impose on the American people. I am ready to take on this fight,” he added.

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