Republican Representative Jodey Arrington from Texas’ 19th District announced on Tuesday his decision to step down from Congress in 2026, marking the end of a ten-year tenure. Arrington, who leads the House Budget Committee, emphasized in a video message that he views public office as a temporary responsibility rather than a lifelong career.

As the chair of the House Budget Committee, Arrington was instrumental in the development and passage of H.R. 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This legislation is notable for representing the largest investment in border security and national defense, along with significant tax cuts for families and small businesses, according to Arrington.

This announcement comes from the 19th Congressional District of Texas, a region with a solid Republican lean (R+25) as per the Cook Political Report. The district is centered in Lubbock and covers much of the rural areas in West Texas. Arrington, who began his congressional journey in 2016, reflected in his video message, “As much good as we’ve done together, there’s a time and season for everything.”

Throughout his service, Arrington has been a vocal advocate for the issues and contributions of rural America, focusing on areas such as food security and energy independence. In an interview with Fox News, he shared his belief that Republican leadership, including figures like President Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, alongside fiscal conservatives, will continue to push for fiscal reforms, indicating the House’s preparedness for another budget reconciliation bill.

God Bless and Go West Texas! pic.twitter.com/YLI7gAvY0l

— Jodey Arrington (@JodeyArrington) November 11, 2025

“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.”

Arrington highlighted his work raising the profile of rural America’s challenges and contributions, such as food security and energy independence, telling Fox News:

“I’m from a rural district and I can tell you, raising the profile among urban and suburban members as to the unique challenges of rural America and the unique contributions of rural America—like food security and energy independence and how much the nation depends on these plow boys and cowboys in rural areas.”

He expressed confidence that Republicans, including President Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and fiscal hawks, will continue fiscal reforms, noting the House’s readiness for another budget reconciliation bill to the outlet.

Looking ahead, Arrington plans a “new leadership challenge” to make the biggest difference, while prioritizing family time with his wife Anne and children Henry, Nate and Jane.

“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.”

Arrington’s departure opens the R+25 district for new representation, with potential speculative candidates including Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, who gained prominence during the August Texas Democrats’ walkout from the state, and State Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock.

Burrows said in a statement posted to X: