Another Republican Rep. Says He Will Retire From Congress As Wave Of Defections Intensify

"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. 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," Nehls said in a statement.

The announcement comes a day after a report from The Atlantic noted that GOP lawmakers are increasingly leaving office out of fear of the party's base.

The outlet described the feeling among Indiana Republicans, especially as members of the GOP block a redistricting plan that would allow the party to get more seats.

The lawmaker told the outlet he is leaving office but not out of fear of retaliation from Trump, but political violence. "I'd rather my house not get firebombed," the lawmaker said.

The Atlantic noted that fears are not far-fetched given the wave of political violence that has taken place over the past years. Indiana Republicans have faced "swatting" incidents for not endorsing the redistricting plan.

Another has reported a bomb threat and other forms of harassment, including receiving pizza deliveries they had not ordered to show them their address was not private. Some others have not been made public.

Another report by Axios claimed that House Republicans are also considering leaving office soon as infighting and external threats mount. The outlet added that 41 lawmakers, without counting Nehls, have announced they won't seek reelection at the end of their terms and more were expected to follow.

It added that threats against lawmakers have surged lately, and that the atmosphere feels even more volatile after the assassination of activist Charlie Kirk in September.

"It takes a toll on people," said Rep. Tim Burchett, noting that threats have been a key factor for some who have made the decision not to run for office again. "We don't ever seem to be doing anything," he added when speaking to the outlet.

The most high-profile lawmaker to announce her resignation is Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has been fiercely criticizing President Donald Trump over their clash regarding the Epstein files.

Rep. Don Bacon also told Axios he also considered resigning after learning the content of the Trump administration's peace plan for the Russia-Ukraine war.

Bacon has called the proposal as the "Witkoff Ukrainian surrender plan," in reference to special envoy Steve Witkoff. He said he will end his term because he has a "commitment to our constituents to fulfill" his term, but will still retire at the end of it, in 2027, as announced.