Republican Rep. Jodey Arrington (TX-19) announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election in 2026, concluding a decade in Congress at the end of his current term. Arrington, chair of the House Budget Committee, said in a video message that “public office is a temporary stint in stewardship — not a career.”
Arrington, who chairs the House Budget Committee, played a key role in crafting and passing H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which provided the largest single investment in border security and national defense alongside the largest tax cuts for families and small businesses in recent history, according to the Congressman.
The announcement comes from Texas’ 19th Congressional District, rated R+25 by the Cook Political Report, anchored in Lubbock and encompassing much of rural West Texas. Arrington, first elected in 2016, stated in a video message: “As much good as we’ve done together, there’s a time and season for everything.”
God Bless and Go West Texas! pic.twitter.com/YLI7gAvY0l
— Jodey Arrington (@JodeyArrington) November 11, 2025
“It has always been my firm conviction that public service be a lifetime commitment, while public office a temporary stint in stewardship – not a career. Representing the God-fearing, freedom-loving people of West Texas has been a labor of love and an honor of a lifetime – and I will be forever grateful for the trust they placed in me.”
Arrington highlighted his work raising the profile of rural America’s challenges and contributions, such as food security and energy independence, telling Fox News:
“I’m from a rural district and I can tell you, raising the profile among urban and suburban members as to the unique challenges of rural America and the unique contributions of rural America—like food security and energy independence and how much the nation depends on these plow boys and cowboys in rural areas.”
He expressed confidence that Republicans, including President Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and fiscal hawks, will continue fiscal reforms, noting the House’s readiness for another budget reconciliation bill to the outlet.
Looking ahead, Arrington plans a “new leadership challenge” to make the biggest difference, while prioritizing family time with his wife Anne and children Henry, Nate and Jane.
“I am profoundly grateful for God’s amazing grace, my wife and children’s constant love and sacrifice, and the prayers and support from my fellow West Texans. My plans are to remain focused on advancing the America First agenda, growing the majority, and delivering for the people of West Texas. Upon completion of my term, I look forward to my next leadership challenge and, most of all, spending more time with my greatest love – my family.”
Arrington’s departure opens the R+25 district for new representation, with potential speculative candidates including Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, who gained prominence during the August Texas Democrats’ walkout from the state, and State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock.
Burrows said in a statement posted to X:
“West Texas may be losing a strong partner and tireless advocate with @RepArrington’s upcoming retirement, but we are profoundly grateful for his many years of service to our communities and America’s future.
From his steadfast fiscal conservatism to his leadership supporting our nation’s farmers and ranchers, Jodey has been a champion for the opportunity and values that define West Texas. His work advancing the I-27 corridor will leave a lasting mark on our region’s future—strengthening our food security, energy independence, and economic potential. And his leadership on the One Big Beautiful Bill stands as a testament to his commitment to American families, small businesses, and rural opportunity.
On behalf of West Texas, thank you, Jodey, for your principled leadership and dedication to public service. We wish you and Anne all the best in this next chapter.”
“I’m thankful that God called me and gave me the grace to succeed and to achieve the things that we’ve achieved,” Arrington told Fox News, “His grace looks like the members of Congress that I’ve been doing battle with, my budget hawks who I’ve been in the trenches with, my constituents who I run into in the grocery store, who want to pray with me right there in the aisle while I’m checking out. The grace of God looks like my wife being both mom and dad about two-thirds of the time, because I’m in Washington doing battle for the country.”
Arrington attributed his successes to divine grace and support from colleagues and constituents, stating, “Did I make my share of mistakes? You bet. Did I learn along the way? You bet I did. But we left the country better than we found it, and it gives me great satisfaction.”
Editor’s Note: After more than 40 days of screwing Americans, a few Dems have finally caved. The Schumer Shutdown was never about principle—just inflicting pain for political points.
Help us report the truth about the Schumer Shutdown. Use promo code POTUS47 to get 74% off your VIP membership.
