Influential House Republican Announces Retirement at 53 (Page 1 ) | November 15, 2025

A key figure in the House Republican leadership has announced he will not seek re-election, marking the end of an influential chapter in Congress.

House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, 53, of Texas, revealed that this term will be his last, according to Fox News. Arrington, who was first elected in 2016, has been a prominent voice within the GOP, particularly on fiscal policy and budgetary reform.

“I have a firm conviction, much like our founders did, that public service is a lifetime commitment, but public office is and should be a temporary stint in stewardship, not a career,” Arrington said in his statement.

During his tenure, Arrington became known for his focus on fiscal responsibility and conservative budget priorities. He cited the passage of President Donald Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” earlier this year as one of the defining highlights of his congressional career, calling it a moment that underscored his commitment to advancing pro-growth, America-first policies.

Arrington’s decision adds to a growing list of veteran lawmakers opting to leave Congress ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested 2026 election cycle.

“It was a truly unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity — to be nearly a decade into public service, to hold the gavel as Budget Chair, and to lead the charge in passing that landmark legislation, helping this president fulfill his mandate from the American people,” Arrington said. “It just feels like the right moment, the right place to leave it.”

Reflecting on his time in Congress, Arrington said his proudest accomplishment was elevating the voices and concerns of rural Americans.

“I’m from a rural district, and I can tell you, raising awareness among urban and suburban members about the unique challenges and contributions of rural America — from food security to energy independence — has been one of my greatest honors,” he said. “This nation depends on the plow boys and cowboys of rural communities, and I’m proud to have been their advocate.”

Arrington also expressed confidence that former President Donald Trump and fellow Republicans will continue advancing the mission to reduce the national debt.

“The president is committed to it — he talks about it constantly. He’s actually making tough, politically unpopular decisions to address it. This comes down to political will,” Arrington said. “Trump’s doing it. Mike Johnson is committed to it. And we have a growing number of fiscal hawks who are absolutely relentless on this issue.”

Before his exit, Arrington hopes to cap his tenure with another major legislative push — a budget reconciliation bill to complement what he called Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

“I don’t know where Senate Republicans stand, and I can’t speak for the White House,” he noted. “But the House is ready. It’s been our most powerful tool to strengthen the president’s hand and the nation’s fiscal health, and I see no reason not to use it to its fullest extent.”

Looking ahead, Arrington said his next chapter will focus on faith, family, and personal renewal.

“My next goal is to spend quality time with my wife and kids and to focus on leadership and service — not in the people’s House, but in my own house,” he said. “I’m thankful that God called me to this work and gave me the grace to succeed.”

He credited that grace to the people he served alongside and the support of his family back home.

“God’s grace looks like my colleagues in Congress, the budget hawks I’ve battled alongside, and my constituents who stop me in the grocery store to pray with me right there in the aisle,” Arrington said. “It looks like my wife being both mom and dad two-thirds of the time while I was in Washington fighting for this country.”

“Did I make my share of mistakes? Absolutely. Did I learn from them? You bet I did,” he added. “But we left this country better than we found it — and that gives me tremendous satisfaction.”