We are used to congressmen running for reelection. But, in surprising numbers, they instead are running for the exits. Twenty-four House members thus far have announced they will not seek another term. Some certainly declined another run due to age. However, the numbers are too high to make that the only explanation. 

The retirements seem especially troubling for the GOP. They make up 14 of the 24. Their crop of retirees also included an overall younger cohort than their Democratic counterparts. The youngest is the most recent: Mike Gallagher, who represents Wisconsin’s 8th district. Gallagher is only 39 and was widely seen as a rising star both in the party and in Congress.