Missouri Republican Sam Graves, who chairs the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, revealed Friday he will not pursue reelection, adding to an unprecedented exodus of lawmakers before the midterm elections.
The 62-year-old congressman has served Missouri’s rural northern district since 2001. Despite filing paperwork last month for what would have been his 14th campaign, Graves announced on social media Friday that he is “making room for the next generation.”
Congressional turnover is reaching historic levels, with 58 House members either retiring or pursuing different offices.
Graves revealed his decision just days ahead of Missouri’s Tuesday candidate filing deadline.
“It’s time to pass the torch and allow a new guard of conservative leaders to step forward and chart a path forward for Missourians,” Graves said.
The congressman has played a key role in aviation safety discussions and probes into the fatal 2025 crash between a commercial aircraft and military helicopter over the Potomac River.
Democratic Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas offered praise for Graves, noting the veteran lawmaker “helped deliver some of our community’s most important projects over the past generation.”
While Graves represents a reliably Republican district, the GOP confronts challenges in keeping House control. Surveys indicate most Americans think U.S. military operations against Iran have been excessive, and voters express growing concern about President Donald Trump’s handling of cost-of-living problems.
At a recent Republican event, Trump dismissed such worries and forecast his party would expand its congressional presence following November’s voting.
