Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) announced Sunday he will not run for reelection in 2026, signaling an end to more than two decades in Congress and a pivot to other work in national security and foreign policy.
“I’m going to serve the remainder of my term,” McCaul, 63, said during an interview on ABC’s This Week. “But I’m looking for a new challenge in the same space — national security and foreign policy — just in a different realm.”
He cited his late father’s World War II service as a key influence on his career in public service.
Two Decades of Congressional Service
McCaul was first elected in 2004 and has represented Texas’s 10th Congressional District ever since. The district includes parts of Austin, the western Houston suburbs, and surrounding rural areas.
In his 2024 reelection campaign, McCaul won with 63.6% of the vote, easily securing another term in a reliably Republican district. (RELATED: Democrats Don’t Have To Win In Red States To Completely Transform Them)
He previously chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee from 2023 to 2025 and led the Homeland Security Committee from 2013 to 2019. Over the years, McCaul has become one of the GOP’s most prominent voices on global affairs and a staunch national security hawk.
Warning on Escalation with Russia
Alongside his retirement announcement, McCaul issued a stark warning about rising global tensions — particularly in Eastern Europe.
“We’ve never seen anything like this in recent times,” he said, referencing a string of Russian drone incursions into NATO territory. “What I’m concerned about is that the escalation here, and the temperature rising, means we’ve got to be very careful not to be on the precipice of a World War III.”
Between Sept. 1 and Sept. 14, at least 20 Russian drones breached NATO airspace — most over Poland. In one case, a drone crossed into Romanian airspace. NATO scrambled fighter jets in response.
Polish officials have called the incidents intentional provocations. Russia dismissed the violations as accidental.
McCaul frequently criticizes what he sees as a lack of U.S. deterrence and warns that if unchecked, aggression from Russia, China, Iran (and occasionally North Korea) could produce a volatile, dangerous world order.
Part of a Larger GOP Exit
McCaul is one of several Republicans opting to leave Congress ahead of the 2026 midterms. Other recent announcements include Rep. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) and Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE). (RELATED: Republican Congressman Issues Stark Trump Warning)
His departure will trigger a likely competitive primary in Texas’s 10th District. With the seat leaning heavily Republican, the eventual GOP nominee will be favored in the general election.
McCaul did not specify his next move but made it clear he intends to stay engaged in the national security sphere — just outside the halls of Congress.
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No complaint on his resignation after his term. Great that he let others know in advance so they could mount a campaign.
This is why term limits will work.
I think that any Conservative Republican in Congress who resigns should first ensure that there is an electable Conservative Republican to replace him. His duty is not done if he leaves a void that a RINO or Democommie could fill.