As the coronavirus pandemic continues to sweep the nation, Congressional lawmakers are bracing for a significant shake-up in the upcoming election. Many veteran members of Congress, particularly those in their late 60s and 70s, are expected to retire rather than face re-election in 2020, leading to some unexpected vacancies in higher chambers.
But it’s not just the veteran Congressmen who are expected to step down. Even younger members of Congress, who recently joined the House and Senate, are reportedly considering retirement or defeat in the upcoming election cycle.
The reason behind the potential trend is largely attributed to the novel coronavirus, which has had a dramatic impact on the way that Congress operates. With the new health protocols in place, members can no longer make their usual rounds on Capitol Hill or travel abroad to conduct important legislative talks. Instead, lawmakers—like many of us—are forced to conduct their work from home, which can present its own unique challenges.
Furthermore, the pandemic has also taken a toll on political funding. Without the reliable influx of campaign donations that come from intimate donor dinners and forum discussions—and with congressional offices closed to the public—many incumbents are expected to forgo re-election in the face of decreased financial support.
It’s unclear which members of Congress are contemplating retirement just yet, but according to political analysts, the ‘Great Retreat’ could mean a total reshuffling of political power in the 2021 Congress. Some experts predict that certain committees, such as those dealing with coronavirus relief efforts, could possibly change hands come November.
The coming election season will surely bring many unexpected changes to Capitol Hill. While the full extent of the retirement epidemic remains to be seen, it’s certainly one to watch out for as the countdown to the polls continues.