U.S. Congressman Jodey Arrington (R-TX-19) announced Tuesday that he will not seek reelection in 2026, marking the end of a decade in Congress and his fifth term representing West Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Arrington, who currently serves as chairman of the House Budget Committee, made the announcement in a video posted on X, thanking constituents for their support and reflecting on his tenure. In his message, he emphasized his belief in limited tenure in public office.
“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,” Arrington said. “After much prayer and deliberation, I believe it’s time to pass the torch to the next citizen-legislator from the Food, Fuel, and Fiber Capital of the World.”
First elected in 2016 and sworn into office the following January, Arrington has represented Texas’s 19th Congressional District, a sprawling and strongly Republican district covering 32 counties in West Texas, with one additional county—Callahan—partially within its boundaries.
As Budget Committee chairman, Arrington played a central role in shaping fiscal policy and federal spending priorities. His legislative focus also included agriculture, defense, and infrastructure—key economic drivers in his district. Among his legislative initiatives, Arrington authored the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a measure aimed at simplifying the federal funding process.
“I am proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together from restoring cotton to the Farm Bill, to securing the next generation bomber at Dyess Air Force Base, to establishing the Ports-to-Plains federal highway – all of which represent billions of dollars to our economy and a brighter future for West Texas,” Arrington said in his announcement.
Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows (R-Lubbock) commended Arrington’s service in a post on X, describing him as “a strong partner and tireless advocate” for West Texas.
“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,” Burrows wrote. He also highlighted Arrington’s work on advancing the I-27 corridor and the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” saying those efforts would have a lasting impact on the region’s economic and infrastructure development.
Arrington’s decision not to seek another term adds to a growing number of open seats across Texas. His departure marks the 35th announced opening among state and federal offices in the state.
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