McCarthy Issues Warning To Trump
Washington dysfunction is pushing experienced lawmakers out of Congress at an alarming pace, according to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy — and he says the problem runs far deeper than party politics.
In a recent C-SPAN interview, McCarthy said many members of Congress are deciding that the personal cost of serving in Washington no longer makes sense when little is being accomplished.
“Nothing Is Getting Done”
McCarthy explained that serving in Congress often means long stretches away from family, constant travel, public harassment, and in some cases serious threats. Lawmakers are willing to accept those sacrifices, he said, but only if they believe their work is making a difference.
“When nothing is getting accomplished and it’s just endless fighting, people start asking why they’re there,” McCarthy said. “At that point, walking away becomes the logical choice.”
He warned that the current wave of retirements is especially concerning because it involves capable, experienced lawmakers — not just backbenchers or political newcomers.
Elections Losing Competition
Appearing alongside former Senator Joe Manchin, McCarthy also criticized how redistricting and political maneuvering have reduced competitive elections across the country.
With fewer swing districts, lawmakers increasingly face little risk of losing reelection. According to McCarthy, that shift has weakened accountability and contributed to gridlock.
“When politicians pick their voters instead of voters picking their leaders, the system breaks down,” he said.
McCarthy reminded viewers that the Founders intentionally designed the House of Representatives to reflect the public’s mood, with elections every two years allowing voters to make frequent course corrections. The Senate, by contrast, was meant to be steadier and slower-moving.
“When outcomes are predetermined, you take power away from the people,” he said. “That’s dangerous for a republic.”
Dozens of Lawmakers Head for the Exit
More than 50 members of Congress from both parties have already announced plans to leave Washington.
Several Republicans who have previously won in competitive districts — including Chip Roy, Michael McCaul, and Don Bacon — are stepping aside rather than running again.
On the Democratic side, multiple longtime lawmakers over the age of 70, including Nancy Pelosi, Jerry Nadler, and Lloyd Doggett, are expected to retire before the next election cycle.
Doggett has argued that internal Republican politics are partly responsible for the gridlock. Many conservatives counter that Washington’s deeper problem is a lack of leadership and accountability, not online criticism or political pressure.
High-Profile Departures and New Ambitions
One of the most closely watched exits is Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. Once aligned with President Trump, Greene announced she will resign later this year following a public political rift and the loss of his endorsement.
Several other House Republicans are leaving to pursue statewide office, including gubernatorial campaigns in states such as South Carolina, Arizona, Wisconsin, Iowa, Tennessee, Florida, Michigan, and South Dakota.
Meanwhile, some Democrats — including Seth Moulton and Jasmine Crockett — are preparing bids for U.S. Senate seats.
Redistricting Could Reshape 2026
Adding another layer of uncertainty, multiple states are revisiting their congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
After Texas approved a new map last year, states including California and Missouri followed with changes of their own. Additional revisions are under consideration in Florida, Virginia, Illinois, Maryland, and Kansas.
A Warning for the Country
McCarthy’s message was blunt: when Congress becomes trapped in permanent conflict and produces few results, experienced lawmakers leave — and voters are left with fewer choices and weaker representation.
As Washington continues to struggle with polarization and stagnation, the growing list of departures may be one of the clearest signs yet that the system is under serious strain.
