Texas Republican Rep. Michael McCaul announced Sunday that he will not seek re-election in 2026, ending more than two decades in Congress.
The 11-term lawmaker revealed his decision during an appearance on ABC’s This Week.
Michael McCaul Statement
McCaul said the September 11 attacks motivated him to run for office.
Michael McCaul
He previously served as a counterterrorism prosecutor at the Department of Justice.
In Congress, he chaired both the Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs Committees.
McCaul said he will serve out the remainder of his term.
But he added that he is “looking for a new challenge” in national security and foreign policy.
“I want to continue to serve the people of this country,” he said.
BREAKING: Texas Republican Rep. Michael McCaul announced on @ThisWeekABC that he will not seek reelection in 2026.
“It’s been an honor to serve for over two decades in the Congress. I’m looking now for a new challenge.”
Read more: https://t.co/pSP1FGfbWs pic.twitter.com/w8bNtbFn6K
— ABC News (@ABC) September 14, 2025
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent the people of central Texas,” McCaul wrote on X.
He credited his father’s World War II service as inspiration for a career in public life.
McCaul said his mission has been to defend America from global threats.
Colleagues Retiring
McCaul is the third House Republican to announce retirement this cycle.
He joins Rep. Morgan Luttrell of Texas and Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska.
At least 10 House Democrats have also announced they will not seek re-election.
McCaul represents Texas’ 10th Congressional District, which stretches from Austin to the Houston suburbs.
It is considered a safe Republican seat with a Cook Partisan Voting Index of R+10.
Recent redistricting has made the seat even more favorable to Republicans.
In 2024, McCaul won re-election by nearly 30 points.
Under the new maps, Trump’s share of the district vote rises to about 60 percent.
Republicans expect to retain control of the district in future cycles.
National Security Focus
During his tenure, McCaul emphasized terrorism, foreign policy, and border issues.
He oversaw congressional responses to ISIS, Afghanistan’s collapse, and China’s rise.
He also led hearings on cybersecurity and emerging global threats.
McCaul weighed in on Russia’s drone incursions into Poland last week.
“With all deference to the president, I don’t think that was a mistake,” he said.
He argued Putin is testing NATO’s resolve.
McCaul said Russian President Vladimir Putin is “KGB once and always.”
He warned that Putin is manipulating negotiations with the United States.
“The president is waking up to the fact Putin is not negotiating in good faith,” McCaul said.
McCaul also criticized recent Israeli strikes against Hamas leaders in Qatar.
He said the actions undermined U.S. efforts to encourage negotiations.
“This does not serve the interests of the United States or Israel long term,” he argued.
Legacy in Congress
McCaul leaves behind a record of national security leadership.
He served as Homeland Security chairman from 2013 to 2019.
He later became ranking member and then chairman of Foreign Affairs.
What’s Next
McCaul said his next role will remain in the security and foreign policy space.
“I want to make America stronger and the world safer,” he said.
He has not announced specific plans after leaving office.
