Resignation, Retirement, and Reelection: How the 112th Congress Compares With the 111th

By Kenneth Chamberlain

Updated: December 3, 2012 | 8:14 p.m.
December 3, 2012 | 6:05 p.m.

Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Wash., ranking Democrat on the House Defense subcommittee, speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, March 30, 2011, after a closed-door briefing on Libya for members of the House of Representatives. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Although most members of Congress seek reelection as their terms end, a few do not as new opportunities arise or they seek more time with their families. Others leave office before their terms expire, prompted by new opportunities or by necessity.

The charts below, which are based on National Journal and other news reports, compare the number of resignations, retirement announcements, and members seeking new offices at the end of the 111th and 112th Congresses, in total and by party. Included are the number of members who lost primary or general elections.

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