Representative Troy Nehls, a Republican from Texas’ 22nd Congressional District, announced over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend that he will retire from Congress at the end of his current term, adding his name to a growing list of lawmakers stepping away from the House ahead of the 2026 elections. The news, first shared by Nehls himself on the social media platform X, comes at a moment when both major parties are jockeying for control of the House and the political landscape in Washington is shifting rapidly.
Nehls, 57, has represented the 22nd District—covering much of Fort Bend County and communities southwest of Houston such as Sugar Land, Richmond, and Rosenberg—since 2021. His decision to step down was made after what he described as heartfelt discussions with his wife and three daughters during the Thanksgiving holiday. "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 his public statement, as reported by Newsweek and UPI.
The congressman’s announcement marks another high-profile departure in a season marked by retirements and political realignments. Nehls’ exit follows similar announcements from other Texas Republicans, including Representatives Michael McCaul, Jodey Arrington, and Morgan Luttrell, as well as prominent figures like Democratic Representative Nancy Pelosi of California and Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. This wave of retirements is occurring as both parties push for redrawn congressional maps and strategize for the upcoming midterms, where Republicans currently hold a slim 219-213 majority in the House.
Before making his decision public, Nehls personally called former President Donald Trump—a political ally and frequent campaign partner—to inform him of his plans. "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 said, as quoted by UPI and Newsweek. The congressman has long been a vocal supporter of Trump, even famously wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with Trump’s mug shot. He has also advocated for Trump’s immigration crackdown and aligned himself with the former president on a range of policies.
Reflecting on his career, Nehls expressed gratitude for his time in public service. "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. Thank you for your trust, your friendship, and your prayers," he stated in his retirement message.
Nehls’ path to Congress was built on more than three decades of service in law enforcement and the military. He enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1988, earning two Bronze Stars for his deployments in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His law enforcement career began with the Richmond Police Department in 1994, and he was elected sheriff of Fort Bend County in 2012. He first won his seat in Congress in 2020 after a long tenure serving his local community.
Once in Washington, Nehls quickly carved out a reputation as a staunch conservative. He currently sits on the House Judiciary and Transportation and Infrastructure committees and is a member of the self-styled "Anti-Woke" Caucus. He was also tapped by then-House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy to serve on a select committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack, though McCarthy ultimately withdrew his picks after Speaker Nancy Pelosi rejected two other Republican members. Notably, Nehls voted to overturn the 2020 presidential election results, further cementing his status as a Trump loyalist.
Texas’ 22nd District, which Nehls represents, is considered a Republican stronghold and is rated "Solid Republican" by the Cook Political Report. In the 2024 election, Nehls secured his seat by a margin of more than 24 percentage points, underscoring the district’s conservative tilt. However, the upcoming retirement has already set off a scramble among potential successors.
In a move that surprised few political observers, Nehls’ identical twin brother, Trever Nehls, announced his candidacy for the soon-to-be-vacant seat almost immediately after Troy’s announcement. "I am honored to announce my candidacy for Congressional District 22 to continue fighting for the people of this district," Trever wrote in a Facebook post, as cited by Newsweek. He pledged to "stand shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump to defend our conservative values, secure the border, protect our families, and oppose the reckless and radical agenda that Democrats continue to press upon the American people. I’m ready to take up that fight." Troy Nehls has formally endorsed his brother’s campaign, signaling a desire for continuity in representation and policy priorities for the district.
Other candidates are also eyeing the seat. Iowa Colony Mayor Pro Tem Marquette Greene-Scott has filed to run as a Democrat, according to Federal Election Commission records. The window for candidates to file their paperwork closes on December 8, 2025, with the primary set for March 3, 2026, and the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026.
The news of Nehls’ retirement sparked a range of reactions across the political spectrum. The Republicans Against Trump account posted on X: "JUST IN: Texas Republican Rep. Troy Nehls, one of Trump’s closest allies, says he won’t seek reelection in 2026. He’s the latest in a growing wave of GOP lawmakers retiring ahead of what many expect to be a devastating midterm." Neera Tanden, president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, added her perspective on social media, writing, "The dam is breaking." These comments reflect a broader sense of uncertainty and anticipation as both parties prepare for a consequential election cycle.
As for Nehls, he appears at peace with his decision, emphasizing the importance of family and the satisfaction of a career spent in service. "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," he reiterated, making clear that personal priorities have taken precedence as he prepares to close this chapter.
With the filing deadline looming and the political stakes high, the race to succeed Troy Nehls is already shaping up to be one of the more closely watched contests in Texas. Whether the district continues its tradition of conservative representation or sees a new political direction, the outcome will be closely followed not just by locals, but by national observers tracking the evolving dynamics of the U.S. House in a pivotal election year.
