Republican Rep. Troy Nehls said he will not run for another term representing Texas’ 22nd Congressional District. Nehls made the announcement Saturday in a statement on X, citing a decision to place greater focus on his family.
The district, located in the Houston suburbs, is a reliably Republican seat.
Nehls said the choice followed discussions with his family during the Thanksgiving holiday.
In the statement, he referenced his three decades in public service, including roles in law enforcement and the military.
“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 said.
First elected to Congress in 2020, Nehls previously served as sheriff of Fort Bend County.
His background also includes service as a police officer and constable. Nehls noted that those experiences shaped the course of his public life and influenced his decision to step away at the end of his current term.
Nehls said he spoke directly with President Donald Trump before making his plans public.
He described the call as a courtesy to someone he said had been important to his district.
“Before making this decision, I called President Trump personally to let him know of my plans. 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,” he added.
Nehls has been a consistent supporter of President Trump during his time in Congress.
He has frequently aligned himself with the former president on policy issues and public statements.
His announcement did not include details about potential future political plans or endorsements for a successor.
In his statement, Nehls thanked constituents for their support during his time in office.
“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. Thank you for your trust, your friendship, and your prayers,” he said.
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…
— Congressman Troy E. Nehls (@RepTroyNehls) November 29, 2025
Nehls’ decision adds another open seat to the 2024 cycle.
His district has remained securely in Republican control, and the vacancy is expected to draw interest from candidates within the party.
Candidate filing deadlines in Texas fall in early December, setting up a short window for prospective contenders to enter the race.
Unlike Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nehls will continue serving through the remainder of the current Congress.
Troy’s twin brother Trever announced his bid to replace him.
