Rep Troy Nehls, a Trump ally, will not seek re-election as twin brother announces campaign to replace him
In a surprising turn of events, Rep. Troy Nehls, a Republican from Texas, announced on Saturday that he will not seek re-election in 2026, citing a desire to focus on his family after years of public service. Nehls, who has held his position in the U.S. House since 2021, shared his decision was influenced by heartfelt conversations with his family during the Thanksgiving holiday. In a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter), he reflected on his extensive career in law enforcement and military service, stating, “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.” Notably, Nehls informed former President Donald Trump of his decision prior to making it public, underscoring the congressman’s alignment with Trump’s agenda during his tenure.
Nehls, 57, has been a staunch supporter of Trump, particularly known for advocating aggressive immigration policies, including legislation aimed at easing deportation processes for illegal migrants. His commitment to conservative values was further exemplified by co-sponsoring a bill to honor Trump by placing him on the $100 bill and proposing to rename Dulles International Airport after him. As Nehls steps away from Congress, he joins a growing list of Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who have opted not to retain their seats, hinting at a potential shift within the party.
In an interesting twist, Nehls’ identical twin brother, Trever Nehls, has announced his candidacy to fill the vacant seat in Texas’s Congressional District 22. Trever expressed his eagerness to continue the work of his brother, emphasizing the need for a representative who aligns with Trump’s conservative values. He stated, “I’m ready to take up that fight,” highlighting his commitment to securing the border and opposing the Democratic agenda. This familial political succession adds a unique dynamic to the upcoming election, as Trever Nehls seeks to carry on his brother’s legacy while reinforcing the strong Republican presence in the district.
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.
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“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.
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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.”
