In a surprising announcement on Tuesday, Republican Representative Patrick McHenry from North Carolina declared that he will not be seeking reelection. This decision adds to the growing trend of congressional members stepping down, with McHenry becoming the 37th member of Congress to do so ahead of the 2024 elections.
McHenry, a close ally of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, has been a prominent figure in the Republican Party and even served as interim-speaker during the transition period between McCarthy’s removal and the election of Speaker Mike Johnson. Expressing his reasons for stepping down, McHenry stated, “This is not a decision I come to lightly, but I believe there is a season for everything and—for me—this season has come to an end.”
Reflecting on his time in the House of Representatives, McHenry emphasized the significance of the institution in shaping the American republic. He acknowledged that the House is a venue for passionate debates and disagreements that embody the hopes for a better future. McHenry’s service in Congress since 2005 has been a source of great pride for him.
The departure of McHenry is part of a larger trend, with a total of seven senators and 30 representatives choosing not to seek reelection. This exodus leaves numerous seats without incumbent protection, paving the way for new faces in the upcoming elections. McHenry addressed concerns about the future of the institution, asserting that change and evolution are natural occurrences in the House. He expressed confidence in the emergence of new leaders who will continue to guide the institution forward.
Interestingly, the departing legislators are not evenly distributed among the two major parties. While 20 Democrats are leaving, only 10 Republicans have made the same decision. Despite this, the nonpartisan Cook Political Report suggests that there are five open House seats that could be potential pickups for Democrats, while none are projected for Republicans.
The Republican Party has faced its share of challenges, including disappointing performances in the 2022 and 2023 elections, as well as the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Democrats in Virginia recently capitalized on this vulnerability by making opposition to the GOP’s proposed 15-week abortion limit a central focus in the statehouse elections, ultimately retaining control.
Internal conflicts within the Republican Party have also been evident, particularly during the summer and fall. The rebellion against McCarthy as House Speaker led to weeks of infighting and the consideration of multiple candidates before settling on Speaker Mike Johnson.
Meanwhile, Democrats have not been immune to divisions within their own party. In the wake of Hamas’ attack on Israel, progressive members have criticized the traditional pro-Israel stance of the Democratic Party, threatening to withdraw support from candidates who align with the Jewish State. This internal struggle has brought tensions to the surface within Democratic ranks.
A recent poll published on October 12 revealed widespread disapproval for Congress across party lines, though Republicans had a slightly lower approval rating compared to Democrats. The approval rating for GOP lawmakers stood at 30%, while their disapproval rating was at 66%, six points higher than their Democratic counterparts.
The departure of Congressman Patrick McHenry marks another significant change in the composition of Congress ahead of the 2024 elections. As both parties navigate internal divisions and face challenges on various policy fronts, the political landscape continues to evolve. The upcoming elections will undoubtedly shape the future direction of Congress and the nation as a whole.
