Jodey Arrington, who has served Lubbock and wide swath of West Texas in the House of Representatives since 2017, will not seek re-election in 2026, according to a Fox News Digital report.
“I have a firm conviction, much like our founders did, that public service is a lifetime commitment, but public office is and should be a temporary stint in stewardship, not a career,” Arrington told Fox.
The Republican felt he was leaving on a high note, having played a key role in crafting President Donald Trump’s big, beautiful bill, Fox reported.
Arrington said he had not given much thought as to what’s next, but wants to spend more time with his family, according to the report.
After this story was first published, Arrington released a statement.
Statement from Congressman Jodey Arrington
November 11, 2025
“After much prayer and deliberation, I believe it’s time to pass the torch to the next citizen-legislator from the Food, Fuel, and Fiber Capital of the World.
“It has always been my firm conviction that public service be a lifetime commitment, while public office a temporary stint in stewardship – not a career.
“Representing the God-fearing, freedom-loving people of West Texas has been a labor of love and an honor of a lifetime – and I will be forever grateful for the trust they placed in me.
“I am proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together from restoring cotton to the Farm Bill, to securing the next generation bomber at Dyess Air Force Base, to establishing the Ports-to-Plains federal highway – all of which represent billions of dollars to our economy and a brighter future for West Texas.
“Thanks to the prayers and unwavering support from my fellow West Texans, I led the fight to strengthen our nation’s security, defend our freedoms, rein-in Washington’s waste and overreach, and return power back to ‘We The People.’
“It was my highest privilege to author and lead President Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ the principle legislative vehicle for advancing the America First Agenda, which included the largest tax and spending cuts, largest single investment in national and border security, and most significant welfare reforms in U.S. history.
“Let me be clear, I haven’t lost an ounce of passion for promoting West Texas values in Washington or a shred of fight for defending our freedoms and way of life, but I believe it’s time for this chapter in my journey to come to an end.
“I am profoundly grateful for God’s amazing grace, my wife and children’s constant love and sacrifice, and the prayers and support from my fellow West Texans.
“My plans are to remain focused on advancing the America First agenda, growing the majority, and delivering for the people of West Texas.
“Upon completion of my term, I look forward to my next leadership challenge and, most of all, spending more time with my greatest love – my family.”
