Rep. Troy Nehls, a Republican congressman from Texas and a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026. The conservative Republican’s retirement ends a six-year congressional career marked by outspoken support for the “America First” agenda.

Nehls, who represents Texas’ 22nd Congressional District, said he made the decision after discussions with his family over the Thanksgiving holiday and has endorsed his identical twin brother, Trever Nehls, to run for his seat.

“After more than 30 years in law enforcement serving and protecting my community as a police officer, constable, Fort Bend County Sheriff, an Army veteran, and six years representing this district in Congress, I have made the decision, after conversations with my beautiful bride and my girls over the Thanksgiving holiday, to focus on my family and return home after this Congress,” Nehls said in a statement released Saturday.

Nehls added that before making his decision public, he called President Trump personally to inform him.

“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,” he said.

“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, 56, was first elected to Congress in 2020 after a long career in Texas law enforcement and local government. A decorated Army veteran, he served in both Iraq and Afghanistan before turning to public service in Fort Bend County. He was elected constable of Fort Bend County Precinct 4 in 2004 and later served two terms as county sheriff from 2013 to 2021.

In Congress, Nehls built his brand around law enforcement, veterans’ issues, and his close alignment with Trump, who carried the district in both the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections. He has been a regular presence in conservative media, frequently defending Trump against investigations and criticizing what he called the “weaponization” of the Justice Department.

Nehls’ district, which covers parts of Fort Bend, Brazoria, Wharton, Matagorda, and southwestern Harris County, is rated R+9 by the Cook Political Report — a solid Republican seat that is expected to stay red in next year’s elections.

Within hours of Troy Nehls’ announcement, Trever Nehls confirmed he would run to succeed his brother, posting a campaign message on Facebook.

“I want to thank my brother for his decades of service in the military and in law enforcement, where we served together,” Trever wrote. “Troy has always led with integrity, courage, and a relentless commitment to public safety, and he put our community first.”

“District 22 needs a representative who will follow in Troy’s footsteps and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump to defend our conservative values, secure the border, protect our families, and oppose the reckless and radical agenda that Democrats continue to press upon the American people. I am ready to take up that fight.”

Trever Nehls, who also has a law enforcement background, pledged to continue the “America First leadership” his brother championed in Congress.

“I know this district, and this district knows me. I will work every day to earn your trust and carry on the tradition of America First leadership that our outgoing Congressman Troy Nehls set,” he said. “Your support is appreciated, and I will strive to proudly represent you.”

The Nehls brothers have long been political fixtures in Fort Bend County, where their careers often overlapped in law enforcement. Both men are military veterans and have maintained strong ties to the county’s law enforcement community.

Troy Nehls’ retirement adds to a growing list of GOP departures ahead of the 2026 elections, though his exit is not expected to alter the partisan balance of the seat. Texas’ 22nd District has trended Republican for decades and was previously represented by former Rep. Pete Olson before Nehls succeeded him.

Nehls was also one of the early congressional endorsers of Trump’s 2024 campaign and remained close to the White House during Trump’s second term.

“Troy Nehls has been a loyal friend and a great fighter for Texas,” one senior House Republican aide said Saturday. “He’ll be missed on Capitol Hill — but knowing him, he’s not done serving.”