A growing number of Republican lawmakers are choosing to leave Capitol Hill behind and pursue governorships — a trend not seen at this scale in decades. According to data compiled by CNN, ten House Republicans are running for governor in 2026, the highest number from either party since at least 1974. Their decisions reflect a mix of political frustration, strategic calculation, and a belief that they can wield more influence at the state level than in a deeply divided Congress.

A Congress Losing Its Appeal

Many GOP members say the atmosphere in Washington has deteriorated to the point where the job feels less productive and more draining. Longtime Texas Rep. Michael McCaul, who is retiring after twenty years in the House, described Congress as increasingly partisan and hostile, with little willingness to collaborate across party lines. He pointed to endless symbolic votes and a “toxic environment” that has worsened over time.

Another Republican lawmaker, speaking anonymously, put it more bluntly: serving in Congress is an honor, but the dysfunction “sucks a lot of the life out of you,” leaving some to question whether the struggle is worth it.

Momentum Meets Uncertainty

Republicans began the year energized — they held both chambers of Congress, and President Donald Trump had returned to the White House. They even passed a sweeping agenda bill over the summer. But as 2025 winds down, many lawmakers are opting not to seek reelection, and some within the party worry about holding their majority after the 2026 midterms.

House Speaker Mike Johnson remains optimistic, insisting the GOP has a strong record to run on. Still, he acknowledges that governing with one of the narrowest majorities in history creates friction and makes consensus difficult.

The Surge in Governor Campaigns

At least fourteen members of Congress — most of them Republicans — have already launched gubernatorial campaigns for 2026. Eleven of them come from the House, surpassing the previous record set in 2018. Even some senators are jumping into governor races, with two considering leaving their Senate terms early to do so.

In states like South Carolina and Arizona, the field is so crowded that multiple GOP lawmakers are running against each other for the same governorship.

Why Governors’ Mansions Look More Attractive

For many Republicans, the appeal of becoming a governor is tied to the belief that they can more effectively advance President Trump’s agenda at the state level. Wisconsin Rep. Tom Tiffany, now running for governor, said he feels he can “do more good” as an executive than as one of hundreds of legislators in Washington.

Others point to the gridlock in Congress as a major factor. Alabama Sen. Tommy Tuberville argued that state government offers more opportunities to actually build and implement policy, rather than simply voting on bills that may never become law.

South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace, also running for governor, has criticized House GOP leadership for sidelining rank‑and‑file members and women. She warned that without internal reform, Republicans risk losing control of Washington altogether.

A Personal and Political Calculation

Some lawmakers insist their decisions are less about escaping Washington and more about seizing opportunities back home. South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson said he’s not running away from dysfunction but toward a chance to serve in a deeply Republican state. He also noted that internal divisions within each party can be just as intense as partisan battles in Congress.

Still, as one anonymous GOP member put it, the choice often comes down to a simple comparison: “I can be one of 435 — or one of one.” For many, the answer is becoming clearer.