Representative Michael McCaul, a Republican from Texas and long-time member of the U.S. House of Representatives, announced on September 14, 2025, that he will not seek re-election in the 2026 cycle, concluding more than 20 years of service in Congress. McCaul, who is 63 years old, has represented Texas’ 10th Congressional District—covering portions of Austin and suburbs of Houston—since 2005. During his tenure, he has built a reputation as a leading figure in foreign policy and national security issues, notably chairing the House Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs Committees.

In a statement released to the public, McCaul expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by his constituents and signaled his eagerness to embark on a new chapter focused on national security and foreign service. "I want to continue to serve the people in this country in national security and foreign policy, and do what I've done the last two decades — make America stronger and the world safer," he said in an appearance on ABC's 'This Week'. He pledged to complete his current term before pursuing new opportunities outside of Congress.

Colleagues from both political parties praised McCaul’s bipartisan dedication and his consistent efforts to bolster U.S. alliances abroad. McCaul is widely recognized for his robust support of American military aid to Ukraine and Israel, a stance he maintained even as internal disagreements on foreign policy surfaced within his own party. His strong advocacy for Ukraine, in particular, sometimes put him at odds with other Republicans amid debates over continued U.S. assistance, as reported by Reuters and The Associated Press.

Throughout his career, McCaul also served as a federal prosecutor and as deputy attorney general for the state of Texas. He was appointed as an impeachment manager during the 2020 proceedings against then-President Donald Trump, further signaling his prominence among House Republicans.

McCaul’s district is considered a safe Republican seat; he won re-election in 2024 by nearly 30 percentage points. His retirement comes at a critical time for the House GOP, which currently holds a narrow 219–213 majority. His departure adds to a growing list of Republican incumbents who have opted not to run for another term, a development observers say is emblematic of shifting dynamics within the party.

Looking ahead, McCaul reiterated his commitment to U.S. security, hinting at continued involvement in global affairs: “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve in Congress, and I remain dedicated to defending our nation against global threats.”

More information about Rep. McCaul’s announcement and his record in Congress can be found through news sources such as Yahoo News, Reuters, and AP News.