Rep Troy Nehls, a Trump ally, will not seek re-election as twin brother announces campaign to replace him
In a significant political development, Rep. Troy Nehls, a Republican from Texas, announced on Saturday that he will not be seeking re-election in 2026, opting instead to focus on his family. Nehls, who has represented Texas’s 22nd Congressional District since 2021, shared that this decision came after heartfelt discussions with his family during the Thanksgiving holiday. With a distinguished background that includes over 30 years in law enforcement, military service as an Army veteran, and a tenure in Congress, Nehls expressed gratitude for the trust and support he received from his constituents. He emphasized the honor it has been to serve the community in various capacities, including as a police officer and sheriff in Fort Bend County. Notably, Nehls informed former President Donald Trump of his retirement plans before making the announcement public, highlighting their close relationship and Nehls’ alignment with Trump’s policies, particularly regarding immigration.
Nehls has been a staunch supporter of Trump’s agenda, especially in terms of immigration reform, advocating for measures that would facilitate the deportation of illegal migrants. His recent legislative efforts included co-sponsoring a bill aimed at removing obstacles to deportations, reflecting his commitment to Trump’s hardline immigration stance. As he steps away from Congress, Nehls joins a growing number of Republican lawmakers opting not to seek re-election, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who recently announced her departure amid a public feud with Trump. Following Nehls’ announcement, his identical twin brother, Trever Nehls, swiftly declared his candidacy for the vacant seat, vowing to continue the fight for conservative values and align closely with Trump’s agenda. Trever Nehls’ campaign launch on social media indicates a desire to maintain the political legacy of his brother while addressing key issues such as border security and opposition to the Democratic agenda.
This transition in Texas’s political landscape not only underscores the personal choices of lawmakers but also reflects the ongoing shifts within the Republican Party as it navigates its future direction. With the Nehls brothers at the forefront of this change, the upcoming election cycle in Texas’s 22nd Congressional District promises to be a focal point for conservative politics, especially as candidates align themselves with or against Trump’s influence. As the political narrative continues to evolve, the decisions made by figures like Troy Nehls may have lasting implications for the Republican Party’s strategies and voter engagement in the years to come.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXiKeAbNi4U
Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, announced on Saturday that he will not seek re-election in 2026 so he can focus on his family, and his own twin brother subsequently revealed his candidacy to fill the open seat.
The congressman said he made the decision after speaking with his family over Thanksgiving. He has served in the U.S. House since 2021.
“After more than 30 years in law enforcement serving and protecting my community as a police officer, constable, Fort Bend County Sheriff, an Army veteran, and six years representing this district in Congress, I have made the decision, after conversations with my beautiful bride and my girls over the Thanksgiving holiday, to focus on my family and return home after this Congress,” he wrote on X.
An ally of President
Donald Trump
, Nehls said he notified the commander in chief of his plans before making his announcement public.
SENIOR REPUBLICAN SAYS HE’LL ‘MISS THE CLOWNS,’ NOT ‘THE CIRCUS’ AS HE EYES LIFE AFTER CONGRESS
“Before making this decision, I called President Trump personally to let him know of my plans,” Nehls said. “President Trump has always been a strong ally for our district and a true friend, and I wanted him to hear it from me first.”
“Serving this country in the military, serving our community in law enforcement, and serving this district in Congress has been the honor of my life,” he continued. “Thank you for your trust, your friendship, and your prayers.”
Nehls, 57, has been a big supporter of Trump’s mass deportation agenda. The House Judiciary Committee advanced his legislation earlier this month that would remove barriers to illegal migrant deportations. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., introduced a similar measure in the Senate.
TEXAS RACE TO REPLACE DECEASED DEMOCRAT ADVANCES TO RUNOFF
The congressman has co-sponsored a bill to put Trump on the $100 bill to honor the president. He also called for renaming Dulles International Airport after Trump and for the
Republican Party
to support whatever Trump says or does.
Nehls previously served as a member of the U.S. Army Reserves and was deployed to combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also worked in law enforcement for many years.
The Texas congressman joins a growing list of Republican lawmakers who have decided not to retain their seat, including Rep.
Marjorie Taylor Greene
, R-Ga., who announced earlier this month amid her feud with Trump that she would step down in January.
After Nehls announced his plans to retire, his identical twin brother, Trever Nehls, said he would be running for his brother’s seat.
“I am honored to announce my candidacy for Congressional District 22 to continue fighting for the people of this district,” he wrote on Facebook. “District 22 needs a Representative who will follow in Troy’s footsteps and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump to defend our conservative values, secure the border, protect our families, and oppose the reckless and radical agenda that Democrats continue to press upon the American people. I’m ready to take up that fight.”
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
