Rep. Troy Nehls, a Republican congressman from Texas and a prominent and unwavering ally of former President Donald Trump, has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026, bringing an end to what will be a six-year congressional tenure deeply defined by his loyalty to the “America First” movement. Nehls’ decision marks a significant shift for Texas’ 22nd Congressional District, a region he has represented since 2021 and one where his political identity—rooted in law enforcement experience, military service, and conservative activism—has become a defining feature of its recent political landscape. In declaring that he will retire at the conclusion of the current Congress, Nehls signaled not only the closing of a chapter in his own life but also the beginning of a carefully orchestrated transition that he hopes will allow his political legacy to continue. After discussing the matter with his family over the Thanksgiving holiday, Nehls concluded that it was time to leave Washington and refocus on home, family responsibilities, and personal priorities. His announcement included a notable twist: the congressman formally endorsed his identical twin brother, Trever Nehls, to run for the seat he will vacate. This endorsement instantly reshaped the political dynamics of the district, ensuring that the next campaign will feature a candidate who not only shares Nehls’ values but who is literally family. In stepping aside in this structured manner, Troy Nehls framed his retirement not as an exit from public life but as a natural transition toward a future still rooted in the values and service commitments that have guided him for more than three decades.
In a statement released on Saturday, Nehls reflected on his long and varied career, honoring the path that took him from frontline law enforcement work to the halls of Congress. “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,” Nehls said. His remarks carried the tone of someone proud of his record yet ready for a new season of life. He emphasized that before making his announcement public, he personally contacted former President Trump, a leader with whom he has cultivated a close political and personal relationship. “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,” Nehls explained. In concluding his retirement announcement, Nehls added, “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.” These words underscored what has long been central to his public image: a deep sense of faith, duty, service, and loyalty. They also signaled that although he is leaving Congress, he views the culmination of his public career not in political accomplishments alone but in decades of service across multiple frontlines of public life.
Nehls, currently 56, entered Congress in 2020 after spending much of his adult life in public safety and local government positions throughout Texas. A decorated Army veteran, he served in both Iraq and Afghanistan before shifting his focus to law enforcement in Fort Bend County, one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas. He first won election as the constable of Fort Bend County Precinct 4 in 2004 and later rose to county sheriff, where he served two full terms from 2013 to 2021. His law enforcement background formed the backbone of his congressional brand, giving him credibility among conservative voters who prioritized public safety and viewed him as a defender of order, discipline, and community protection. Once in Washington, Nehls quickly positioned himself as a leading voice on issues related to policing, veterans, border security, and federal oversight of law enforcement agencies. His frequent appearances on conservative television and radio programs helped elevate his visibility beyond his district, earning him recognition as an outspoken defender of Trump during investigations and impeachment proceedings. Nehls repeatedly criticized what he characterized as political bias in federal institutions, especially the Justice Department, adopting rhetoric that resonated strongly with the Republican base. Representing Texas’ 22nd Congressional District—covering parts of Fort Bend, Brazoria, Wharton, Matagorda, and southwestern Harris County—Nehls benefited from a district rated R+9 by the Cook Political Report, a reliably conservative seat that supported Trump in both the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections. This political environment allowed him to govern confidently as a staunch conservative without pressure to moderate his positions.
Within hours of Troy Nehls’ announcement, his twin brother Trever Nehls moved swiftly to formalize his candidacy for the open seat, posting a campaign message on Facebook that signaled both gratitude and determination. “I want to thank my brother for his decades of service in the military and in law enforcement, where we served together,” Trever wrote. He praised Troy’s leadership style, saying, “Troy has always led with integrity, courage, and a relentless commitment to public safety, and he put our community first.” Trever’s message made clear that he intends to position himself as the heir to his brother’s political legacy, offering voters continuity rather than change. “District 22 needs a representative who will follow in Troy’s footsteps and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump to defend our conservative values, secure the border, protect our families, and oppose the reckless and radical agenda that Democrats continue to press upon the American people. I am ready to take up that fight.” Trever, who also has a law enforcement background, pledged to continue the “America First leadership” that his brother championed during his time in Congress. “I know this district, and this district knows me,” he said. “I will work every day to earn your trust and carry on the tradition of America First leadership that our outgoing Congressman Troy Nehls set. Your support is appreciated, and I will strive to proudly represent you.” For longtime residents of Fort Bend County, the Nehls name is deeply familiar. The brothers have long been fixtures in the region, often appearing at public safety events, community gatherings, and local political functions. Their overlapping careers in law enforcement and military service have given them a shared public identity and wide name recognition—an advantage Trever will undoubtedly leverage as he steps into the political arena.
The retirement of Troy Nehls adds to a growing list of Republican departures ahead of the 2026 elections, though his seat is not expected to become competitive, given the district’s longstanding conservative lean. For decades, Texas’ 22nd Congressional District has trended Republican and was previously represented by former Rep. Pete Olson before Nehls succeeded him. The district’s demographic growth, economic expansion, and evolving suburban landscape have drawn national attention, but despite increased diversity, the region has remained politically stable in its leanings. Nehls’ exit will not likely shift the partisan balance, but it may signal a gradual generational turnover within the Texas Republican Party as older officeholders step aside and new voices emerge. Given the strong alignment between Nehls and Trump, the congressman’s retirement drew immediate commentary from political analysts who noted that his departure comes at a moment when the GOP is recalibrating its internal dynamics heading into the next election cycle. Yet insiders emphasize that Nehls’ decision appears rooted in family considerations rather than political pressure. A senior House Republican aide said on Saturday, “Troy Nehls has been a loyal friend and a great fighter for Texas. He’ll be missed on Capitol Hill — but knowing him, he’s not done serving.” That sentiment reflects a broader belief that Nehls, whose life has been defined by military and community service, will likely remain involved in public affairs, even if not from a congressional seat. His brother’s immediate entry into the race underscores that the Nehls family intends to remain a force in local and regional politics for years to come.
As the district looks ahead to a new election cycle, Troy Nehls’ retirement marks the end of a unique chapter in Texas politics—one defined by a blend of military service, law enforcement leadership, and unyielding support for Trump-era conservatism. His six years in Congress were characterized by fierce advocacy on border security, criminal justice matters, veterans’ issues, and federal oversight—areas where his personal background provided both expertise and authenticity. Nehls cultivated a public image as a fighter for conservative values, unafraid to challenge institutions he believed were acting improperly, and unapologetic in his belief that the federal bureaucracy had become politicized. As he prepares to leave office, his legacy will be measured not only by legislative actions but by the broader role he played in shaping Republican messaging and mobilizing conservative voters in his district. Meanwhile, Trever Nehls’ campaign sets the stage for a highly visible transition—one in which voters will weigh continuity against potential change, family loyalty against political independence, and local identity against broader national dynamics. For the Nehls brothers, the years ahead represent both an ending and a beginning. Troy steps away from official duties, carrying with him decades of service and the respect of those who supported him. Trever steps forward, ready to campaign on the values that defined his brother’s tenure. And for Texas’ 22nd District, the coming election will determine whether the Nehls legacy continues into a new decade or transitions to another chapter in its political story.
