From Fox News: Rumors of one House GOP lawmaker’s potential early retirement are sending shockwaves through Republicans’ razor-thin majority in Congress.
Fox News Digital was told on Wednesday that lawmakers believe Rep. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., is considering not serving out the remainder of his term in the House of Representatives before his planned retirement at the end of 2026, and that he was discussing the matter with House leadership.
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., deferred to Dunn when asked about his plans but said he urged the Florida Republican to stay in Congress.
Johnson told reporters, “He is a beloved member of Congress and a great man. And, you know, he’s informed us he’s not going to run for re-election. And what he does from here forward, I’m not sure.”
“You need to ask him about it. But I’ve encouraged him to stay and be part of this, and I think he wants to do that. And so you have to ask him all the circumstances,” Johnson added.
Punchbowl News reporter Ally Mutnick announced on Wednesday evening, “Speaker Mike JOHNSON and Dunn are huddling on the House Floor right now.”
Speaker Mike JOHNSON and Dunn are huddling on the House Floor right now https://t.co/T6iQkOmEnp
— Ally Mutnick (@allymutnick) February 11, 2026
Politico reporter Mia McCarthy then reported on X that she just saw Speaker Mike Johnson talking to Dunn on the House floor, then give him a handshake.
Speaker Mike Johnson is talking to Dunn on the floor right now, gave him a handshake https://t.co/GLkpJQd24I
— Mia Camille McCarthy (@Reporter_Mia) February 11, 2026
It is still unclear whether Dunn will actually leave Congress early, serve the remainder of his term.
Dunn had announced on January 13 that he had decided it was time to pass the torch, and said he would not seek re-election. However, he gave no indication in his statement that he would not fulfill the remainder of his term.
Please see my statement on my decision not to seek re-election. pic.twitter.com/sogoXQTJZD
— Dr. Neal Dunn (@DrNealDunnFL2) January 13, 2026
READ MORE from Fox News.
DUNN’S DILEMMA: Rumors swirl that Rep. Neal Dunn may leave Congress early despite planned 2026 retirement, threatening Republicans’ razor-thin House majority. Johnson: ‘I’ve encouraged him to stay.’ https://t.co/yIl1XhoBL9
— Fox News Politics (@foxnewspolitics) February 11, 2026
Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter.)
The DML News App: www.X.com/DMLNewsApp
The Dennis Michael Lynch Podcast archive is available below, with the most recent on top. Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the show by downloading The DML News App or go to Apple Podcasts.
