Texas Representative Michael McCaul will not run for re-election.

Texas Rep. Michael McCaul Announces Retirement, Cites Global Tensions

WASHINGTON – Michael McCaul, a key foreign policy figure in the GOP and representative from Texas, revealed over the weekend that he will not seek reelection, expressing concerns that the world may be nearing a crisis akin to World War II.

The 63-year-old has been a prominent Republican voice on the House Foreign Affairs Committee from 2019 through early 2025. He announced his retirement after serving eleven terms, maintaining a focus on traditional conservative foreign policy stances.

In his statement on Sunday, McCaul reflected on his career, saying, “It was a lifelong honor to represent the people of Central Texas and chair the Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs Committee.”

“My father’s service during World War II inspired me to dedicate my life to public service, focused on safeguarding our nation from global threats. I am proud to have fulfilled that mission in Congress for over 20 years,” he added.

In an interview with ABC’s “This Week,” McCaul shared his perspective on the current state of global affairs. “We haven’t faced a situation like this in a long time, and what worries me is the rising tensions around the world. We must be cautious not to insulate ourselves against a potential World War III,” he remarked.

Recently, McCaul pointed to Russia’s deployment of 19 drones over Polish airspace as a troubling development. While President Trump suggested it might have been a misstep, state officials in Texas disagreed.

“I don’t think the president is correct on that. I believe Putin is testing NATO’s resolve,” he stated, referencing his background as a former terrorism prosecutor.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, McCaul has been a steadfast supporter of Ukraine, which has drawn criticism from populist figures within the conservative movement, including Tucker Carlson.

On Sunday, he expressed skepticism regarding the trustworthiness of Russian leader Vladimir Putin during recent peace discussions with Trump. “I had little faith in those negotiations. Putin has a KGB background. He knows how to manipulate, just like those officials did,” McCaul said.

He emphasized the need for President Trump to recognize that “President Putin is not negotiating in good faith.”

As McCaul prepares to leave Congress, fellow Republicans in Texas have hinted at taking on new challenges while remaining engaged in foreign policy and national security matters.

Over the weekend, Trump called on NATO allies to increase sanctions on Russia to restrict funding for its military efforts.

In addition to his role in foreign affairs, McCaul was the leading Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee from 2013 to 2019, a period during which he successfully won reelection ten times. His closest race occurred in 2018, where he won 51.1% of the vote against Democrat Mike Siegel’s 46.8%.