Two Republican House members set to retire

WASHINGTON — Two longtime GOP lawmakers announced their retirements Tuesday from the House of Representatives, adding to the growing list of Republicans electing to leave Capitol Hill under the Trump administration rather than face voters in next year’s midterm elections.

Twelve-term Rep. Frank LoBiondo of New Jersey declared in a statement that “our nation is now consumed by increasing political polarization” and “there is no longer middle ground.” The 71-year-old became the latest moderate Republican to leave Congress and open up a seat that will be ripe for Democrats to pick up as they fight to retake control of the House next year.

Then, several hours later, seven-term Rep. Ted Poe of Texas, a conservative, announced that he too plans to retire rather than seek reelection to another term next year. Poe, 69, whose district covers parts of Houston and northern suburbs, said in a statement that “Thanks to the Lord, I’m in good health, but it’s time for the next step.”

He added that he was looking forward to spending more time with his grandkids.

Poe’s district is solidly Republican and would be a struggle for Democrats to win.

With the announcements from LoBiondo and Poe, the list of Republicans who’ve announced plans to retire rather than seek re-election is now near two dozen, compared to fewer than halfa-dozen Democrats.

Democrats would need to win two dozen more seats to win control of the House.