• Michael McCaul announces he will not seek re-election in 2026 after 11 terms in Congress.
• McCaul has been a vocal advocate for U.S. support for Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.
• He cited a desire for "new challenges" in the realm of national security and foreign policy.

U.S. Representative Michael McCaul, a key figure in foreign policy discussions, announced on September 14 that he will not seek reelection for his Texas seat in 2026 after serving 11 terms. McCaul, who has represented Texas's 10th Congressional District since 2005, expressed his desire for "a new challenge in the same space" of national security and foreign policy during an interview on ABC's "This Week" according to Reuters, CBS News, and The Hill.

During his nearly two-decade tenure in Congress, McCaul has been a staunch advocate for U.S. military support for Ukraine and played a critical role as chairman of both the House Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs Committees. Reflecting on his time in office, he cited experiences like the rise of ISIS, the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, and ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Russia and China according to The Hill and CBS News.

McCaul's departure from the House comes amidst significant shifts in the Republican landscape in Texas, including a mid-decade redistricting to enhance party representation. Notably, he is one of only four Texas Republicans in Congress whose tenure predates President Trump's administration. His exit follows the announcements from other Republican colleagues also stepping down, raising questions about the future political dynamics in the state, as highlighted by Reuters and The Hill.