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Rep. Michael McCaul, a long-serving Republican from Texas, announced he will not seek another term in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2026.
McCaul, who has represented Texas’s 10th Congressional District since 2005, said he will complete his current term before moving on to a new role focused on national security and foreign policy outside of Congress, as The Hill reports.
The 63-year-old lawmaker revealed his decision during an interview with ABC News on Sunday, marking the end of more than two decades in Washington.
He emphasized that it has been his honor to represent central Texas and to chair influential congressional committees during his tenure.
McCaul’s lengthy political career to end
McCaul first won election to the House of Representatives in 2004. His district, which stretches from the suburbs of Houston to Austin, has consistently returned him to office for ten consecutive terms.
Though he enjoyed strong support throughout most of his career, his narrowest margin came in 2018 when he defeated Democrat Mike Siegel with just over 51% of the vote. The close race highlighted shifting political dynamics in his district.
During his career, McCaul gained prominence in national security matters. He chaired the House Homeland Security Committee between 2013 and 2019 and later led the House Foreign Affairs Committee from 2023 until earlier this year.
Leadership amid troubled times
In his leadership roles, McCaul oversaw congressional responses to some of the most pressing security challenges of the last decade. He cited issues such as the emergence of the Islamic State group, the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as defining moments of his tenure.
He also pointed to unrest in the Middle East and growing tensions with China in the Indo-Pacific region as challenges that shaped his committee work.
These experiences reinforced his focus on strengthening U.S. foreign policy and defense strategies.
Reflecting on his career, McCaul shared that his father’s service in World War II motivated his own dedication to public service.
He said he had been proud to dedicate his congressional work to protecting the nation from global threats.
Statement of gratitude, talk of future plans
“It’s been an honor to serve for over two decades in the Congress,” McCaul told ABC’s Martha Raddatz during the broadcast of This Week. He added that his time in office had been the “honor of a lifetime.”
McCaul confirmed that he intends to fulfill the remainder of his current term, which will end in early 2027. He expressed gratitude to the people of central Texas for supporting him through 11 election victories.
While he has not provided specific details about his next steps, McCaul made clear he intends to continue work in the national security and foreign policy field. “I’m looking now for a new challenge,” he said. “But I’m looking for a new challenge in the same space that would be national security, foreign policy, but just in a different realm.”
Looking ahead to what’s next
In a message shared on social media, McCaul reiterated his appreciation for the opportunity to represent Texans. He noted his pride in leading two prestigious committees and contributing to national debates on pressing international issues.
His departure marks the end of a notable era for Texas politics. McCaul was among the most senior Republican voices on foreign policy, and his retirement will create a significant vacancy in the delegation.
As McCaul prepares for his next chapter, his decision adds another layer of uncertainty to the political landscape of Texas’s 10th District. Both parties are expected to closely watch the race to succeed him in 2026.
The post Texas Rep. Michael McCaul to retire after 2 decades in Congress appeared first on Washington Digest.
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