Texas Rep. Announces Retirement, Endorses Twin Brother to Succeed Him

Rep. Troy Nehls, the Texas Republican known nationally for his unwavering loyalty to President Donald J. Trump and the America First movement, announced that he will retire from Congress at the end of his current term, opting not to run again in 2026. His departure closes out a six-year tenure defined by fierce advocacy for law enforcement, border security, and the Trump agenda.

Nehls, who represents Texas’ 22nd Congressional District, said the decision came after lengthy discussions with his family over Thanksgiving — and he immediately endorsed his identical twin brother, Trever Nehls, to succeed him.

“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.

Before making his retirement public, Nehls said he called President Trump directly.

“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, first won the seat in 2020 after decades of public service in Fort Bend County. A decorated Army veteran who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, Nehls went on to serve as constable of Fort Bend County Precinct 4 beginning in 2004 before winning two terms as sheriff from 2013 to 2021.

During his time in Congress, Nehls made himself one of the chamber’s most outspoken defenders of President Trump — repeatedly calling out the Biden-era “weaponization” of federal law enforcement and championing causes tied to veterans, police officers, and border security. Trump carried the district in both 2020 and 2024, reflecting the area’s strong conservative leanings.

Texas’ 22nd Congressional District — which includes parts of Fort Bend, Brazoria, Wharton, Matagorda, and southwestern Harris County — holds an R+9 rating from the Cook Political Report, making it reliably red heading into the next election cycle.

Within hours of the announcement, Trever Nehls confirmed he will run for the seat, posting a formal declaration 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, who like his brother has a deep background in law enforcement and long-standing ties to Fort Bend County, pledged to continue the “America First leadership” that defined Troy Nehls’ time on Capitol Hill.

“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 been central figures in Fort Bend County public life for decades, serving in overlapping roles in law enforcement and maintaining strong relationships throughout the region’s public safety community.

Nehls’ retirement adds to the list of Republican departures ahead of 2026, though the move is not expected to change the political makeup of the seat. The district has been reliably conservative for years and was previously held by Rep. Pete Olson before Nehls’ 2020 victory.

A senior House GOP aide reacted to the news on Saturday, saying, “Troy Nehls has been a loyal friend and a great fighter for Texas. He’ll be missed on Capitol Hill — but knowing him, he’s not done serving.”