Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL) is reportedly considering resigning early from the House of Representatives in the coming days, a move that would further strain Republicans’ already narrow majority and potentially hand Democrats effective control of the chamber.
Dunn, 72, a physician and former Army surgeon, has represented Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, an R+8 seat covering much of the Panhandle, since 2017.
He announced in January that he would not seek re-election at the end of his current term.
The congressman cited a desire to pass leadership to a new generation of conservatives and return home to spend more time with family.
According to reporting from Fox News, multiple lawmakers say Dunn is weighing whether to step down early, possibly in time for a summer special election.
No timetable has been confirmed, and Dunn declined to comment when pressed by reporters.
His office has repeatedly stated he intends to complete his term.
Dunn’s spokeswoman, Eleanor Allison, said the resignation claims are “not originating through this office.”
However, reports suggest Dunn cold step down in a matter of days.
House Math Leaves No Margin for Error
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has personally urged Dunn to remain through the end of his term.
The pressure underscores the fragile balance of power in the chamber.
Recent departures have already tightened the margin:
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) resigned on January 5.
Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) died the following day.
Special elections to fill those Republican seats are scheduled for April and June and are expected to remain in GOP hands.
Democrats also lost a seat after Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) resigned to become governor, with a replacement election set for April.
Until those vacancies are filled, any additional Republican loss would effectively shift operational control of the House to Democrats.
Internal GOP Divisions Compound Risk
The stakes are heightened by repeated defections from Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), who has sided with Democrats numerous times since President Donald Trump returned to the White House.
Massie has voted with Democrats nearly one-third of the time during that period and opposed major Republican priorities, including last July’s Big Beautiful Bill spending package.
With the majority already hanging by a thread, Dunn’s potential resignation would not merely reduce Republican numbers; it could reshape control of the chamber at a critical moment for Trump’s legislative agenda.
For now, Dunn’s final decision remains unclear.
But in a House where a single vote can determine control, even the possibility of his early departure carries national consequences.
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