Several prominent members of Congress from Texas are retiring at the end of this year, in what could fundamentally reshape the makeup of Capitol Hill and the tenure of lawmakers from the Lone Star State. Just a few months ago, four-term Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) was a few votes shy of being elected majority leader of the Senate. Now, he’s headed for the exit after losing a bruising GOP primary to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who garnered President Donald Trump’s endorsement.Cornyn’s departure means Texas could likely lose sway in the Senate. Although not a committee chairman, Cornyn is popular among senators from both parties and is a former GOP whip. Cornyn also holds a seat on the powerful Senate Finance Committee, which is responsible for tax policy and other fiscal matters.
The Texas senator has also been at the center of bipartisan dealmaking, including a 2022 gun control bill that became an issue in his primary this year.
Cornyn is far from the only veteran Texas lawmaker leaving Washington. Several senior members of the state’s sprawling 38-member House delegation are also retiring, taking with them years of institutional knowledge, committee seniority, and influence over policy areas critical to Texas.
