Longtime Texas Congressman Michael McCaul to Retire

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin, has announced his retirement from Congress at the end of his current term, marking the end of a 20-year tenure representing Texas’s 10th Congressional District. 

On Sunday, Sept. 14, McCaul, 63, revealed that he will not pursue reelection in 2026 and will complete his term in January 2027. His tenure in the U.S. House has been characterized by a strong emphasis on national security and foreign policy, highlighted by his leadership of two influential committees. 

The announcement arrives as he approaches the end of his tenure in a committee leadership role and seeks new opportunities.

In a revealing conversation with the Austin American-Statesman before his announcement, McCaul shared that his decision to retire was one he had contemplated for a considerable time. "I took considerable time to reflect on this," McCaul stated. “Serving my district and chairing two esteemed committees has been a remarkable privilege.”

 McCaul, a former federal prosecutor, served as chair of the House Homeland Security Committee from 2013 to 2019 and later chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee from 2023 to 2025. He recognized that his departure was somewhat anticipated, especially following the conclusion of his term as chairman.

McCaul conveyed his intention to remain engaged in the fields of national security and foreign policy following his departure from Congress. Although he refrained from sharing detailed information about his upcoming endeavors, he mentioned that he is exploring various possibilities. 

"I believe I am prepared to take on a new challenge," McCasul stated. He completes his term, which ends on January 3, 2027. The congressman expressed his view that the Founding Fathers likely did not envision public office as a lifelong pursuit. 

Throughout his tenure in Congress, McCaul emerged as a prominent supporter of financial assistance for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. He has been vocal in his criticism of the Biden administration's 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, spearheading the Foreign Affairs Committee's report on the issue. 

With McCaul's retirement, Texas's 10th Congressional District is now left with an open seat, spanning from Austin to the outskirts of Houston.