WASHINGTON — Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-Texas), chair of the House Budget Committee, announced that he will not seek reelection in 2026, signaling a major shift for Republican fiscal leadership.
Arrington made the announcement on Tuesday morning, confirming that he will complete his term but not seek another.
Speaking to Fox News, Arrington reflected on his philosophy of leadership and his sense of duty. “I have a firm conviction, much like our founders did, that public service is a lifetime commitment, but public office is and should be a temporary stint in stewardship, not a career,” he said.
The Hill continues:
Arrington played a key role in helping craft and usher through the House the “One Big Beautiful Bill” of President Trump’s tax cut and spending priorities.
“It was a very unique, generational impact opportunity, to be almost ten years into this and to have the budget chairmanship, and to lead the charge to successfully pass that and to help this president fulfill his mandate from the people,” Arrington told Fox. “It just seems like a good and right place to leave it.”
Arrington is so far the only House GOP chairman to announce their departure from Congress after 2026. He leaves a safe Republican district.
He was known in Congress for being a staunch fiscal hawk who aimed to lower the national debt and deficit.
Arrington’s decision not to seek reelection came just a week after President Trump had publicly endorsed him for another term. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” — a resounding show of support that made the congressman’s announcement all the more unexpected.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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