Cynthia Lummis becomes 11th senator to walk away from upper chamber in 2026
Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) announced she will not seek re-election in 2026, becoming the 11th senator to step down amid a challenging year with republicans holding the Senate majority. Although she had previously prepared for another campaign and received former President Donald Trump’s endorsement, Lummis cited the exhaustive Senate schedule and demanding legislative sessions as reasons for her decision. first elected in 2020, Lummis was known for her strong support of cryptocurrency regulation, notably helping to pass the GENIUS Act, and for backing Trump’s tax policies.At 71, she expressed that the energy required no longer matches her capacity, describing herself as “a sprinter in a marathon.” She previously served nearly ten years as Wyoming’s sole House representative. Republican groups praised her conservative record and contributions to digital currency leadership and energy production, while anticipating her future endeavors.
Cynthia Lummis becomes 11th senator to walk away from upper chamber in 2026
Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) will not run for another term in 2026, becoming the 11th senator to announce plans to step down from the upper chamber after a grueling year with Republicans back in the majority.
Lummis, first elected to the Senate in 2020, had previously told local press that she was “gearing up” for another run and earned the endorsement of President Donald Trump in March. But she ultimately opted against a reelection campaign, releasing a Friday statement in which she blamed long Senate weeks spent passing the president’s policy agenda.
Six Republicans and five Democrats have now announced their intention to retire or seek another office, such as governor.
“Deciding not to run for re-election does represent a change of heart for me, but in the difficult, exhausting session weeks this fall I’ve come to accept that I do not have six more years in me,” said Lummis, 71.
“I am a devout legislator, but I feel like a sprinter in a marathon,” she added. “The energy required doesn’t match up.”
Lummis, a member of the Senate Banking Committee, built a reputation as one of the biggest advocates of cryptocurrency on Capitol Hill and has spent the year helping usher through Congress landmark legislation on digital assets.
She was a leading negotiator for the GENIUS Act, which set rules of the road for stablecoins, and a reliable vote for Trump as Republicans moved his marquee tax bill through the Senate. Trump pressed Congress to get the bill to his desk by July 4 and has otherwise imposed a demanding schedule as Democrats forced hundreds of votes on his nominees.
Before her time in the Senate, Lummis served nearly a decade as Wyoming’s only House member.
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“Senator Lummis’ strong conservative record is unquestioned, and her list of accomplishments includes ensuring that the United States is the world leader in digital currencies and energy production,” said Alex Latcham, the executive director of the Senate Leadership Fund, which helps protect Republicans’ Senate majority.
“While she will be missed, we look forward to seeing many more great things ahead for Senator Cynthia Lummis,” Latcham added.
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