After nearly a decade of reliably conservative representation, Florida’s Panhandle is preparing for a rare open congressional seat as a veteran lawmaker steps aside. Florida Congressman Neal Dunn announced this week that he will not seek re-election, bringing an end to a solid five-term run representing Florida’s Second Congressional District. At 72, Dunn said the decision followed prayerful consideration and discussions with his family, adding that it was time to pass the torch to new conservative leadership and return home to Panama City to spend more time with his grandchildren.
Please see my statement on my decision not to seek re-election. pic.twitter.com/sogoXQTJZD
— Dr. Neal Dunn (@DrNealDunnFL2) January 13, 2026
That kind of exit used to be normal in Washington. Serve honorably, win consistently, then step aside on your own terms. These days, it feels almost refreshing.
Dunn was first elected in 2016 and never really looked back. He won re-election four times with comfortable margins, including more than 61 percent of the vote in 2024. His district is solidly conservative, with roughly 59 percent voting for President Trump in that same election. This was not a case of a vulnerable incumbent reading bad polling. Dunn could have stayed if he wanted to.
His departure, however, comes at a politically sensitive moment. It follows the mid-term resignation of Marjorie Taylor Greene last week and adds to a growing list of Republicans choosing not to run again. Dunn now joins more than two dozen GOP House members heading for the exits, including names like Elise Stefanik, Wesley Hunt, and Tom Tiffany.
Some of these departures are retirements. Others are strategic moves toward higher office. Either way, turnover on this scale always creates opportunity and risk. Republicans currently hold a very slim House majority, made even thinner after Greene’s resignation and the recent death of Rep. Doug LaMalfa. A special election to fill Greene’s seat is scheduled for March 10, and every seat matters heading into the midterms.
President Trump has been blunt about what is at stake. He has repeatedly warned that if Democrats regain control of the House, impeachment will be back on the table, regardless of substance. His message to voters has been simple. Win the midterms or expect political warfare.
Meanwhile, the House “casualty list” continues to grow. As of mid-January, 49 members have announced they will not seek re-election, nearly evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. Some, like Nancy Mace and Eric Swalwell, are eyeing governor’s mansions. Others are chasing Senate seats or statewide offices.
For Republicans, the key question is whether districts like Dunn’s will remain firmly in conservative hands. His exit opens the door to new leadership, but also demands discipline, organization, and turnout. Dunn may be stepping away, but the fight for the House is just getting started.
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