He predicted Putin would remain provocative but unlikely to use nuclear weapons, noting that China has set a red line in international tensions.

McCaul expressed hope for lasting peace in Ukraine and emphasized his continued support for Ukraine’s defense, even amid party tensions over military aid.

He criticized Russian actions, including incursions over Poland’s airspace, which he attributed to NATO testing Russian resolve.

Had district boundaries been in place in 2024, Trump would have won the district with 60.5%, indicating its strong Republican tilt.

Before Congress, McCaul served as a federal prosecutor and in counterterrorism roles, including Texas deputy attorney general, shaping his focus on security issues.

His career was shaped by the September 11 attacks, and he previously worked as a counterterrorism prosecutor, witnessing major global security events like ISIS rise, the fall of Afghanistan, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

He was critical of the 2021 US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, blaming the Biden administration for ending America’s longest war hastily.

A strong supporter of Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, McCaul was recognized for bipartisan leadership and passing many bipartisan measures in Congress.

U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, a long-serving Texas Republican and former chair of the House Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security committees, announced he will not seek reelection in 2026, as he plans to pursue opportunities in national security and foreign policy.

Elected in 2004, McCaul is among the longest-serving Texas Republicans, and his departure marks a significant loss of seniority for the party, especially in Central Texas, amid ongoing redistricting efforts.

His district, which includes parts of Travis and Brazos counties, has been redrawn to favor Republicans, and despite these changes, McCaul secured reelection in 2024 with nearly 30% margin.

McCaul highlighted recent NATO jets shooting down Russian drones over Poland as a sign of Putin’s increased aggression, viewing it as a strategic test of NATO’s response.

McCaul plans to serve out his current term, motivated by his father’s WWII service, before moving on to strengthen U.S. national security and global safety.