Republican Congressman Michael McCaul Announces Retirement After Two Decades in Office

Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas has revealed he will not seek re-election in 2026, concluding his more than two-decade-long congressional career. The veteran lawmaker confirmed he will complete his current term but is pursuing a “new challenge” following his decision.

McCaul, who previously led the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, shared his plans during an appearance on ABC’s “This Week.” In social media posts, he reflected on his service, stating, “It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent the people of central Texas… I am ready for a new challenge in 2027 and look forward to continuing to serve my country in the national security and foreign policy realm.”

A separate incident involving McCaul surfaced last year when he was briefly detained at Dulles International Airport after appearing intoxicated. According to reports, McCaul had taken Ambien to aid sleep during a flight and inadvertently missed his connection. The medication, combined with alcohol, left him disoriented, leading to an encounter with airport police. Authorities stated he was not arrested and was later assisted by a family member.

McCaul’s exit marks another shift in the political landscape, as he steps away from a role that has spanned multiple legislative priorities and committee assignments.

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