Former Members of Congress Seek Return to Washington in 2026

There’s a glut of former federal lawmakers angling to serve again in Congress.

At least 16 ex-House members are candidates in the 2026 election to return to that chamber, according to a Bloomberg Government review of campaign filings. Some others are running for the Senate or considering doing so.

The roster includes Tom Malinowski, one of 12 New Jersey Democrats competing in a special election early next year to complete the term of Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill (D).

Winning the seat “would enable me to get back into the fight quickly, with my experience and some of my House seniority ...