Another House Republican announces he won’t run for reelection

Nehls joins a growing number of House Republicans that have resigned or announced they would not seek reelection. 

“After more than 30 years in law enforcement serving and protecting my community as a police officer, constable, Fort Bend County Sheriff, an Army veteran, and six years representing this district in Congress, I have made the decision, after conversations with my beautiful bride and my girls over the Thanksgiving holiday, to focus on my family and return home after this Congress,” Nehls wrote in a statement posted to X. 

The Texan said that he called President Donald Trump to inform him of his decision to step back before he made his announcement. 

“President Trump has always been a strong ally for our district and a true friend, and I wanted him to hear it from me first,” Nehls continued. “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.” 

He added, “Thank you for your trust, your friendship, and your prayers.”

Nehls’ decision not to run again follows several resignations and similar announcements from House Republicans as the party enters into a midterm election year when the party that also controls the White House is historically vulnerable. 

Last week, one-time Trump ally turned critic Marjorie Taylor Greene said she would resign from Congress on Jan. 5, long before her term expires. She joined at least 22 other Republicans that have said they will not seek reelection, either with plans to retire or to run for higher office. 

Earlier this year, Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., resigned to take a job in the private sector, setting up a special election to replace him. Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn were nominated for the election to the Tennessee district that includes parts of Nashville and its rural surroundings. 

Democrats are hoping to score an upset victory in the district, which President Trump won by 22 points. The most recent poll shows Behn trailing Van Epps by only 2 points in that district as Democrats pound the pavement with messaging on affordability, hoping to replicate seismic victories in the Virginia and New Jersey gubernatorial races.