Moderates flee Congress as bipartisan dealmaking crumbles

A concerning and accelerating trend is reshaping the landscape of the United States Congress: the increasing exodus of moderate lawmakers, driven by profound frustration with pervasive political gridlock and the crumbling of bipartisan deal-making. What was once often expressed as a reluctant “I’m sad to leave” sentiment from seasoned legislators has now transformed into an unhesitating “not a hard choice” to retire, signaling a deep disillusionment with the current congressional dynamics. This sentiment is starkly illustrated by recent statements from retiring members like Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who openly admitted, “I haven’t exactly been excited about running for another term,” and Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), who boasted of his legislative record even as he announced his departure. These departures underscore a growing exhaustion among lawmakers who feel compelled to choose retirement over attempting to forge bipartisan agreements that their own increasingly polarized parties clearly do not desire.

The trend line for those who champion working across the aisle is indeed alarming. High-profile figures such as Senators Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) have all chosen to retire in 2024, unequivocally citing the immense difficulty of getting bipartisan deals done in Congress. Their collective departures represent a significant loss of experienced voices who, despite their political differences, often sought common ground. This wave of lawmaker retirements paints a clear picture of a legislative environment where the traditional avenues for compromise are systematically being dismantled, leading to a less functional and more ideologically rigid institution.

Further illustrating this breakdown are several prominent examples of bipartisan efforts that have collapsed under partisan pressure. A significant immigration deal, painstakingly crafted to address pressing border issues, fell apart in 2024 after then-former President Trump publicly urged Republicans to kill the bill. Concurrently, Democrats in competitive races also voted it down, showcasing how both external political influence and internal party calculations contribute to the legislative paralysis. This incident perfectly encapsulates the challenges facing genuine bipartisan politics, where policy solutions are often sacrificed at the altar of political expediency and ideological purity.

The current term has witnessed similar struggles, even on issues that might traditionally garner broad support. A bipartisan deal on groundbreaking crypto regulation, for instance, nearly collapsed. This critical piece of legislation, designed to provide much-needed clarity in a rapidly evolving financial sector, became entangled when Democrats introduced demands for language specifically targeting the crypto empire of the Trump family. Such partisan interventions, even in areas requiring innovation and consensus, highlight the pervasive nature of political gridlock and the profound difficulty in achieving legislative breakthroughs.

This mass departure of experienced moderates signals a critical juncture for American democracy, potentially leading to a more ideologically rigid and less functional legislative branch. With fewer members willing or able to bridge divides, the capacity of the US Congress to address complex national challenges through compromise and consensus is severely diminished. The long-term implications include heightened political polarization, reduced legislative output, and a public increasingly frustrated by the perceived inability of their elected representatives to govern effectively. The erosion of bipartisan politics poses a fundamental threat to the efficacy and legitimacy of the democratic process itself.

Looking ahead, several key races offer a glimpse into the future of congressional dynamics. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a prominent moderate, faces a re-election race currently rated “lean Republican” by The Cook Political Report, highlighting the fragility of her position. In Alaska, fellow moderate GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski, not up for re-election, remains singularly focused on her state’s needs, even entertaining the longshot possibility of caucusing with Democrats if a 50-50 tie emerges after the midterms. In Texas, Republicans are deeply concerned about Sen. John Cornyn losing his primary to firebrand Texas AG Ken Paxton, who would face a much tougher general election. These races underscore the ongoing battle for the soul of the Republican Party and the broader legislative body.

The Republican party is also carefully monitoring the Louisiana Senate race, where Sen. Bill Cassidy is expected to face numerous GOP primary challengers. Cassidy is notable as one of just three GOP senators (along with Collins and Murkowski) still serving who voted to convict Trump in an impeachment trial. His situation, much like others, exemplifies the internal pressures and ideological tests facing remaining moderates within the current highly charged political environment. As the US Congress grapples with these internal shifts, the pursuit of bipartisan politics becomes an increasingly elusive goal, leaving the nation to contend with deepening divides and the urgent need for a renewed spirit of legislative cooperation.