Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), who has represented Georgia’s 11th Congressional District since 2015, said Wednesday that he will not seek reelection in the 2026 midterm elections.
“I have decided not to seek re-election at the end of my current term in Congress,” Loudermilk said in a news release. “I have learned throughout my life that doing what is right is not always easy, convenient, or popular.”
Loudermilk’s decision comes as he steps back from a district where he previously cruised to reelection, winning about 65.6% of the vote in 2024.
The departure adds to the growing list of House seats up for grabs as incumbents depart or seek other offices. Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA) and Mike Collins (R-GA) are both running for U.S. Senate, while Marjorie Taylor Greene resigned in January.
Republicans have maintained control of the district for more than a decade, with Loudermilk winning reelection every time since he first ran in 2015.
With Loudermilk’s exit, the Republican nomination for the 11th District now features just one other GOP candidate, Chris Mora, who has filed paperwork to run in the 2026 Republican primary. Loudermilk had been one of two Republicans in the race before his decision not to continue.
On the other side of the aisle, a crowded field of Democratic candidates has already emerged in the hope of flipping the seat in the general election.
Additionally, Natalie Richoz, an independent candidate, has also filed to appear on the 2026 ballot.
The competitive Democratic field reflects national party enthusiasm to contest what has been a red-leaning seat in the northern exurbs of Atlanta.
Loudermilk, a U.S. Air Force veteran, began his political career at the state level, serving in both the Georgia House and Senate before winning his first congressional bid.
In the House, he has served on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Administration Committee.
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Loudermilk’s tenure has not been without struggle, as he was asked to testify on the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. He was accused of aiding in the attacks after leading a tour of the complex the day prior.
Democrats accused Loudermilk of aiding in a “reconnaissance” mission of those who later stormed the building. He denied any wrongdoing and said he was not a part of such a scheme and would later chair the Judiciary Committee’s Jan. 6 subcommittee formed by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) following President Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2025.
