‘It’s time,’ Rep. McCaul on not seeking re-election, evolution of U.S. politics.

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — After more than two decades in office, Rep. Michael McCaul announced he won’t be seeking re-election.

The republican congressman currently serves Texas District 10, which stretches from Austin to College Station and south of I-10. He chaired the Homeland Security and Foreign Affairs committees, leading several counter-terrorism and foreign policy initiatives. His term ends in January 2027.

“I don't think our founding fathers intended for us to be here for a lifetime,” he said, “I'm just ready for a new challenge, a new opportunity in the same space.”

Entering Congress in 2005, McCaul said he’s seen how both the legislature and the Republican party have changed over time, particularly since President Trump’s first term.

“It's not as civil,” the congressman said. “There are Congress men and women who want to be constructive and get things done, and then there are others who just like to get attention, and I think the attention crowd is growing.”

A 2022 Pew Research Center study based on congressional votes found that, on average, Democrats and Republicans are farther apart now than any time in the past 50 years.

In an increasingly polarized environment, McCaul said he found success by collaborating with the opposition.

“You have to work across the aisle to pass legislation,” McCaul said. “Otherwise they're just political messaging bills, and they're not going to turn into, you know, real legislation that can make a difference.”

In a 2024 study, however Pew reported that compared to five other voting issues, the public finds the most common ground on foreign policy — McCaul’s specialty.

McCaul said the Republican party is “evolving,” especially when it comes to being involved with overseas conflict. He said he is a proponent of “America First” principles, but also encourages the Trump Administration to avoid isolationism.

“I hope America First doesn't mean America is absent in the world. I think it's important we still lead as a nation,” McCaul said. “We don't have to pay for all of it, but they're looking at us for leadership, and I think we can't abdicate that responsibility.”

McCaul has not announced what is next in his career, but said he is going to stay involved in public service.

“I'm not going away,” he said. “I'll serve my term, but I'll still be very vocal. I'll have a voice, you know, to, you know, to speak on these issues that I dedicate my life to.”