Majority Leader Paul Ryan (R-WI) joined a record number of House Republicans announcing their retirement from Congress ahead of the 2018 midterms.  Talk of a "blue wave" sweeping Democrats to power in the mid-term elections has left many Republican incumbents unwilling to engage in a potentially bruising fight for reelection.

Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), Chairman of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, announced his retirement earlier this year.  Congressman Mike Simpson (R-ID), a former dentist and AGD ally, is a top contender to take Rep. Frelinghuysen’s place as the top Republican on the committee.

As of April 12, a total of 27 Republicans have either already resigned or announced plans to retire. When considering members who plan to leave the House to run for another office, a total of 40 Republican seats will be vacated ahead of the midterm elections compared to just 19 by Democrats. To regain their majority in the House, Democrats must flip 24 Republican held seats.

Impact on General Dentistry: The AGD will continue to monitor elections across the country to gauge the potential impact of the 2018 midterms on the issues facing general dentists.