Everyone Who Has Resigned, Died or Been Forced Out in the Bitterly Divided 119th Congress

In an already turbulent political landscape, the 119th Congress has seen a wave of departures and upheaval, significantly impacting the upcoming midterm elections scheduled for November. This year alone, three members of the House have resigned amid controversy, and one has passed away, further complicating an already contentious atmosphere marked by partisan gridlock.

The current congressional session began in January 2025 and has been characterised by a series of scandals and challenges that have led many lawmakers to reconsider their positions. According to a recent tally from NPR, as of 30 April, at least 70 members of Congress, comprising both the House and Senate, have elected not to seek re-election, citing reasons ranging from retirement to ambitions for other offices.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, currently leads a narrow majority of 217 Republicans and one independent. His efforts to advance former President Donald Trump’s agenda face increased resistance from both his own ranks and opposition Democrats. Leading the Democratic minority is Hakeem Jeffries of New York, who counts 212 members but has seen his party’s numbers diminish as internal divisions persist.

As of the end of April, the House has five vacancies due to a combination of three resignations and two deaths. These departures signal a significant shift in the political landscape as representatives deal with the fallout of various scandals and personal tragedies.

One of the most notable resignations came from Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican representative from Georgia, who stepped down in January 2026. Greene, once a staunch ally of Trump, cited ongoing disputes with the former president and her unwillingness to endure relentless criticism. She has since taken on a more critical stance regarding Trump’s policies, particularly his approach to Iran, and has publicly declared that the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement was founded on falsehoods.

Another significant departure involved Eric Swalwell from California, who resigned in April after withdrawing from the gubernatorial race due to allegations of sexual misconduct—claims he vehemently denied. His resignation came amidst discussions among House Democrats regarding potential expulsion, leaving him to apologise for unspecified “mistakes” while maintaining his innocence against the allegations.

Also resigning around the same time was Tony Gonzales, a Republican from Texas, who stepped down following reports concerning a tragic relationship with a former staff member. Gonzales had previously announced that he would not seek re-election, contributing to the growing list of lawmakers leaving their posts amid scandals.

Shortly thereafter, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida resigned just before a House ethics panel was set to deliberate on her potential expulsion. She is embroiled in several federal criminal charges associated with the alleged misuse of federal disaster funds, and she has publicly denounced the ethics investigation as a “witch hunt.”

Further compounding the challenges faced by the House was the death of David Scott, a veteran Democratic representative from Georgia, who passed away at 80 years old while seeking re-election. His death marked yet another loss for the 119th Congress, which has seen an unusual number of member fatalities, inciting discussions regarding the ages and effectiveness of long-serving lawmakers.

Other notable departures include Mikie Sherrill, who was elected as Governor of New Jersey following her tenure in Congress, and Matt Gaetz, a Florida representative who found himself engulfed in scandal during his brief service. Gaetz resigned shortly after Trump’s re-election due to complications surrounding his nomination for Attorney General, which was overshadowed by serious allegations of misconduct.

The trend of resignations and challenges within Congress reflects broader concerns about governance amid increasing discontent among constituents. Ongoing tensions between party leadership and factional divides have only intensified the struggle for control leading to the 2026 midterm elections, where every seat may prove critical.

As the 119th Congress continues to grapple with these issues, lawmakers and prospective candidates face a challenging landscape filled with uncertainty. The mix of scandals, personal tragedies, and a shifting political agenda will likely shape the upcoming electoral battles as both parties vie for positions within the House and Senate. With the spectre of further resignations looming, the political climate is poised for dramatic changes as the midterms approach.