How many U.S. representatives are not seeking re-election in 2018?
How accurate was your prediction?
How normal is this?
Why do you think this high level of retirements from the U.S. House is happening now?
How does the current number of Republicans not running for re-election compare to the number of Democrats not running for reelection?
What is one explanation for this party difference?
Identify one trend from the past quarter century in the portion of incumbents running for reelection.
There are 435 members of the US House of Representatives. Most of the time, a vast majority of them run for reelection. What is one aspect of the US political election system that accounts for this high rate of incumbents running for re-election? A vast majority of the incumbents who run for re-election, win re-election. Why do you think that is?
What is one reason that the number of incumbents not running for reelection is so much higher than usual this year?
When Speaker of the House, Paul D. Ryan recently announced he was not running for re-election he said that he was retiring for family reasons. When incumbents decide not to run what is the number one reason they give for their decision?*
What is the typical number of terms a house Representative serves?*
Explain whether the high rate of incumbent reelection is proof that democracy is functioning well.
Explain whether the normally high rate of incumbents running for re-election is positive or negative:
Research your U.S. House representative. Find out how long they have been in the House. Contact your representative and explain to them whether you think they should continue to run for office. Share their response in class or online.