Hard-right Freedom Caucus could be gutted as key members run for new jobs in 2026

WASHINGTON — The House Freedom Caucus faces an existential moment with some of its most prominent members eyeing the exits for new jobs in the 2026 election, calling into question the future of the band of far-right rebels.Rep.

WASHINGTON — The House Freedom Caucus faces an existential moment with some of its most prominent members eyeing the exits for new jobs in the 2026 election, calling into question the future of the band of far-right rebels.

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, the group’s thought leader and most outspoken lawmaker, is running for state attorney general.

Barry Moore, R-Ala., is running for the Senate.

Ralph Norman, R-S.C.; Andy Biggs, R-Ariz.; and Byron Donalds, R-Fla., are all running for governor. Tom Tiffany, R-Wis., is considering running for governor. And yet others facing tough re-elections or redistricting threats could be gone by the end of next year.

With about three dozen members, the House Freedom Caucus has created persistent headaches for Republican leaders since its founding in 2015 as a home for fiscal conservatives willing to use aggressive tactics to get their way.