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Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., announced Wednesday that he will not seek reelection to a seventh term, becoming the latest Republican lawmaker to resign amid a growing wave of GOP retirements ahead of the next election cycle.
Loudermilk issued a statement announcing his retirement, saying it has been a “tremendous honor” to represent the people of northwest Georgia for six terms.
He also said that during his term he focused on defending the United States Constitution and representing the 11th Congressional District.
“I first ran for Congress in 2014 and, as I said then, representing the people in Congress is a service, not a career, and while I continue to have strong support from the people of the 11th Congressional District, I believe it is time to contribute to my community, state and nation in other ways,” he said. “Therefore, I have decided not to seek re-election at the end of my current term in Congress.”
HOUSE GOP MAJORITY ON THE BRINK AS TEXAS ALL-DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIVE SPECIAL ELECTIONS ARE CONDUCTED
Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., speaks during a House Select Subcommittee hearing on January 6 in the Rayburn House Office Building on January 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)
Loudermilk said he learned throughout his life that doing the right thing is not always easy, popular or convenient, and that he and his wife prayed and discussed the decision at length.
“This is not an easy decision, but we believe it is the right one,” he said. “While serving my constituents in Congress is one of my greatest honors, being a husband, father and grandfather is of even greater importance to me, and right now I look forward to spending more time with my family.”
He concluded by thanking the people of his district for allowing him to serve, as well as his staff for their “excellent service” to the district, state and nation.
REP. THE DEATH OF LAMALFA ALSO REDUCES THE MAJORITY OF THE REPUBLICAN CHAMBER
Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., chairs the House Administration Committee Oversight Subcommittee hearing on “Oversight of the Office of the Inspector General of the United States Capitol Police” on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. (Getty Images)
Loudermilk's decision comes as lawmakers in both parties consider the cost of another election cycle, with redistricting, an early primary schedule and an increasingly national political climate influencing decisions ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Loudermilk is at least the 29th Republican to announce plans not to seek re-election at the end of the current term, part of a broader wave of departures from the House. Twenty-one House Democrats have also announced they will not seek re-election.
REP. THE DEATH OF LAMALFA ALSO REDUCES THE MAJORITY OF THE REPUBLICAN CHAMBER
Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., attends the Ways and Means Committee's review of the fiscal year 2025 Concurrent Budget Resolution reconciliation directive in the Longworth House Office Building on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (Bill Clark/Getty Images)
Last Tuesday, Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., said he would not seek reelection, ending a two-decade career in Washington at age 74.
“After 20 years of service, I believe the time is right to pass the torch and begin a new chapter in my life,” Buchanan said in a statement.
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Other Republicans not seeking reelection include Reps. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, and Troy Nehls, R-Texas.
Fox News Digital's Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.
