Powerful GOP Rep. Stuns Supporters, Announces Retirement

Rep. Sam Graves is calling it quits after more than two decades in Washington, adding his name to a growing list of lawmakers heading for the exits before November’s midterms.

The 62-year-old Missouri Republican, first elected in 2000 and serving since 2001, said he’ll drop his reelection bid after initially filing to run again. He plans to formally withdraw his paperwork Friday, according to an interview with The Wall Street Journal. Graves currently chairs the House Transportation Committee.

“I think it is time for me to step down,” Mr. Graves told the Journal. “I filed for reelection, and I was still kind of evaluating … my next chapter in life, and what that might look like.”

Graves is one of more than 50 House members opting not to seek another term, with Republicans accounting for a large share of the departures as some eye bids for higher office.

His decision had been rumored for days ahead of the March 31 filing deadline. Now, his safe GOP district is expected to draw a crowded primary field in August.

Jim Ingram, a veteran and retired business owner who was first to file in the race, warned the floodgates could open.

“It’s going to really muddy the waters, and it’s going to be hard for the party to pick a clear winner,” he said previously.

Potential contenders are already circling. State Rep. Mazzie Christenson, a Trump-aligned Republican, said she’s seriously weighing a run. GOP strategist Jeff Roe, founder of Axiom Strategies, has also been floated as a possible candidate despite not being in Trump’s good graces. Kansas City Councilman Nathan Willett, currently running for a state Senate seat, has been mentioned as another possible entrant but hasn’t confirmed.

On the Democratic side, three candidates have filed: Josh Smead of Liberty, along with Scot Pondelick and Matt Levine of Kansas City.

Graves has led Republicans on the Transportation Committee since 2019 and said Rep. David Rouzer of North Carolina would be his pick to take over the top GOP spot.

Even if Republicans keep control of the House, Graves may have been forced to step aside from the chairmanship anyway. GOP rules typically limit committee leaders to six years.

As for what’s next, Graves said nothing is locked in yet. But he signaled interest in helping businesses and organizations navigate Washington.

“I would be interested in helping businesses, associations, and companies steer their way through the legislative process,” he said.

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