In today’s political climate, it’s rare to see much progress in Congress due to constant standoffs. However, an unexpected trend has emerged: a significant number of lawmakers are choosing to resign. This Friday marks a notable departure as Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) steps down, becoming the sixth member of the 118th Congress to do so without another public position in sight. Buck, once a conservative outlier, has grown apart from his far-right allies and expresses a sentiment shared by many who have chosen to leave: the diminishing appeal of Congress.
Buck candidly shared with reporters, “This place just keeps going downhill, and I don’t need to spend my time here.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend that hasn’t been seen in at least four decades, with an increasing number of House members opting out of their public service roles mid-term. The wave of resignations began last May, with notable departures including Rep. David N. Cicilline (D-R.I.) who left for a leadership role at the Rhode Island Foundation, and Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah) who started a lobbying firm. Others, like Rep. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio), left for opportunities outside of politics, highlighting the allure of better pay and more flexible hours.
Typically, lawmakers would fulfill their two-year commitments to their constituents before moving on. However, the current Congress has seen a departure from this norm, with 45 members announcing their retirement at the end of the year, a stark contrast to those choosing to leave early. Buck warns of more potential early exits, attributing the exodus to internal GOP turmoil and a lack of legislative activity.
The frustration within the House has reached a boiling point, with only about 40 percent of Republican members attending a recent retreat, leading to the cancellation of planned discussions. Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), reflecting on his return to Congress, notes the ongoing infighting, debates, and general frustration as significant challenges. The 115th Congress marked a high point in resignations, with 16 members leaving, some for prominent roles in the Trump administration, while others departed amid scandals.
In contrast, the 117th Congress saw fewer mid-term resignations, with new administrations often drawing talent from Capitol Hill. Despite the 117th Congress being considered one of the most productive in recent decades, the current Congress has already seen an uptick in early departures. Senators, however, seem to experience greater job satisfaction, with fewer resignations over the past decade.
The 118th Congress began tumultuously, with Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) struggling to secure the Speaker position. This rocky start has only continued, with early resignations highlighting the growing dissatisfaction among members. Rep. Cicilline’s departure for a lucrative nonprofit role and others leaving for the private sector or other opportunities reflect a broader trend of disillusionment with the current state of Congress.
Despite the challenges, some members, like Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) and Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), express a sense of duty and commitment to their roles, even as they contemplate their futures. The increasing number of resignations and the reasons behind them underscore the complex dynamics at play within the House, as members weigh their impact, satisfaction, and future aspirations against the backdrop of a contentious and often stagnant legislative environment.