# Who will leave Congress before July?

before July 2026

Updated: April 29, 2026

Category: Politics

HTML: /markets/politics/who-will-leave-congress-before-july/

## Short Answer

**Key takeaway.** Both the **model** and the **market** expect Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick to leave Congress before July, with no compelling evidence of mispricing.

## Key Claims (January 2026)

**- - Henry Cuellar faces a detailed court trial timeline following his indictment.** - House Ethics Committee escalated investigation into Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, recommending censure.
- **Market** **probability** has significantly declined in April 2026, reflecting reduced expectations.
- Nancy Mace is preparing for a potential statewide race in 2026.

### Why This Matters (GEO)

- AI agents extract claims, not arguments.
- Improves citation probability in summaries and answer cards.
- Enables fact stitching across multiple sources.

## Executive Verdict

**Key takeaway.** At 11c, **market** prices higher than the **4.6%** **model** estimate, suggesting overvaluation despite member investigations.

### Who Wins and Why

| Outcome | Market | Model | Why |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ruben Gallego | 11.0% | 4.6% | Ruben Gallego is actively serving in Congress and running for Senate, with no public information suggesting he will resign his House seat before July 2024, implying the market's probability is purely speculative without specific supporting evidence. |
| Ro Khanna | 4.0% | 1.4% | The provided background research contains no information regarding Ro Khanna, offering no evidence to suggest he will leave Congress before July, thus the debiased price remains a fair anchor. |
| Cory Mills | 31.0% | 18.6% | The provided background research does not contain any information regarding Cory Mills, leading to a neutral assessment that the debiased price is fair due to a lack of specific evidence. |

## Model vs Market

| Outcome | Market Probability | Octagon Model Probability |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ruben Gallego | 11.0% | 4.6% |
| Ro Khanna | 4.0% | 1.4% |
| Cory Mills | 31.0% | 18.6% |
| Nancy Mace | 6.0% | 2.2% |
| Mitch McConnell | 9.0% | 3.6% |
| Nancy Pelosi | 3.0% | 1.0% |
| Mike Collins | 4.0% | 1.4% |
| Henry Cuellar | 8.0% | 3.1% |

- Expiration: July 1, 2026

## Market Behavior & Price Dynamics

This prediction market shows a distinct and sustained downward trend in the probability of the event occurring. The market opened with a 24.0% probability and peaked at 30.0%, which acted as a resistance level. However, the most significant price action occurred in mid-April with a dramatic two-day collapse. On April 16, the price dropped 11.0 percentage points, followed by a 15.0 percentage point drop on April 17. This rapid decline brought the probability from the high 20s down to the low teens. The provided information does not include any specific news or external events that would explain the cause of this sharp repricing. Since this sharp drop, the price has stabilized and appears to have found a new support level around 11.0%.

The total trading volume of over 42,000 contracts indicates significant overall interest in this market. The sharp price drops in mid-April were likely accompanied by a surge in trading activity as the market reacted to new information or a major shift in sentiment. In contrast, the period following the crash shows very low to zero volume, suggesting that traders have reached a consensus at the new, lower price. This lack of recent activity indicates strong conviction among current participants that the 11.0% probability is an accurate reflection of the current outlook.

Overall, the chart reflects a major shift in market sentiment. What was once considered a moderately likely event, with odds reaching as high as 30.0%, is now viewed as highly improbable. The sharp, decisive drop, followed by price stability on low volume, suggests the market has fully priced in a fundamental change in circumstances. The current sentiment is one of strong consensus that the representative is unlikely to leave Congress before the resolution date.

## Significant Price Movements

#### 📉 April 17, 2026: 15.0pp drop

Price decreased from 27.0% to 12.0%

**Outcome:** Ruben Gallego

**What happened:** No supporting research available for this anomaly.

#### 📉 April 16, 2026: 11.0pp drop

Price decreased from 30.0% to 19.0%

**Outcome:** Ruben Gallego

**What happened:** No supporting research available for this anomaly.

## Contract Snapshot

A "Yes" resolution occurs if Cory Mills formally and permanently vacates his role as a House member before July 2026 (by June 30, 2026), including through resignation, retirement, removal, or term expiration. A "No" resolution occurs if he remains in the role by the deadline, or if the role ceases to exist without a plausible successor; temporary leaves or suspensions do not count. The market closes no later than June 30, 2026, at 11:59 pm EDT, with payouts 30 minutes after closing, but if the individual dies, contracts may resolve to the last fair price.

## Market Discussion

Traders are speculating on several members leaving Congress before July, primarily citing potential scandals or political pressure. Rumors of an alleged affair surface for Nancy Mace, while Ruben Gallego's departure is linked to political backlash, and Ro Khanna is discussed due to a rumored dossier from Martin Shkreli, though this is met with skepticism. Notably, there is no explicit discussion provided for Cory Mills, who currently holds the highest probability of leaving.

## Market Data

| Contract | Yes Bid | Yes Ask | Last Price | Volume | Open Interest |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Cory Mills | 28% | 32% | 31% | $15,623.04 | $7,833.97 |
| Henry Cuellar | 4% | 8% | 8% | $672 | $667 |
| Mike Collins | 4% | 7% | 4% | $741.74 | $414.74 |
| Mitch McConnell | 8% | 9% | 9% | $2,735.19 | $1,870.39 |
| Nancy Mace | 6% | 7% | 6% | $3,352.59 | $2,303.09 |
| Nancy Pelosi | 1% | 6% | 3% | $1,720.59 | $1,355.59 |
| Ruben Gallego | 10% | 11% | 11% | $73,259.33 | $31,427.62 |
| Ro Khanna | 4% | 5% | 4% | $23,935.45 | $16,960.83 |

## What are the key dates for Henry Cuellar's trial and plea?

Trial Jury Selection Date | April 6, 2026 [[^]](https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txsd.1958419/gov.uscourts.txsd.1958419.139.0.pdf) |
Trial Commencement Date | April 13, 2026 [[^]](https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txsd.1958419/gov.uscourts.txsd.1958419.139.0.pdf) |
Plea Agreement Status | No indication for Henry Cuellar [[^]](https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/10/politics/henry-cuellar-bribery-case-consultants-plea-deal) |

**The U.S**

The U.S. District Court has set a detailed trial timeline for Henry Cuellar. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas has established a detailed procedural timeline for Henry Cuellar's federal bribery case. Jury selection is scheduled to commence on April 6, 2026, with the trial itself beginning on April 13, 2026, at 9:00 AM [[^]](https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txsd.1958419/gov.uscourts.txsd.1958419.139.0.pdf). This updated schedule, which also applies to his wife, Imelda Cuellar, was set forth in an Order Granting Continuance of Trial filed on August 14, 2024. The trial date was moved from its previously scheduled May 2025 [[^]](https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txsd.1958419/gov.uscourts.txsd.1958419.139.0.pdf).

Key pre-trial motion deadlines are established for late 2025. Deadlines for the filing of pre-trial motions, such as Motions in Limine, Motions to Suppress, and Daubert motions, are set for December 2, 2025 [[^]](https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txsd.1958419/gov.uscourts.txsd.1958419.139.0.pdf). Responses to these motions are due by December 23, 2025 [[^]](https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txsd.1958419/gov.uscourts.txsd.1958419.139.0.pdf). A final pre-trial conference is slated for March 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM [[^]](https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txsd.1958419/gov.uscourts.txsd.1958419.139.0.pdf). The discovery deadline was previously set for December 31, 2024, with the government expected to submit a status report on remaining discovery by December 20, 2024 [[^]](https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.txsd.1958419/gov.uscourts.txsd.1958419.139.0.pdf).

No court filings indicate a plea agreement for Henry Cuellar himself. Current court documents and legal commentary do not provide information regarding a potential plea agreement for Henry Cuellar that would necessitate his resignation [[^]](https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/10/politics/henry-cuellar-bribery-case-consultants-plea-deal). While two of Cuellar's former associates, Florence and Ricardo B. Ramos, have entered into plea agreements related to the bribery case, pleading guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit bribery, there has been no indication that Henry Cuellar or his wife plan to take a plea deal [[^]](https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/10/politics/henry-cuellar-bribery-case-consultants-plea-deal).

## Who Is Preparing for a 2026 Statewide Race?

Nancy Mace Leadership PAC | MUST ACT TO CREATE EXCELLENCE PAC (C00763326), established July 2021 [[^]](https://www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00763326/) |
Nancy Mace Campaign Role | Press Secretary - Nancy Mace for Governor [[^]](https://linkedin.com/in/piper-gifford-7ba224161) |
Ro Khanna Statewide Race Prep | No information regarding new 'testing the waters' committees or Leadership PACs found in the provided sources [[^]](https://www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00768838/). |

**Nancy Mace demonstrates significant preparatory steps for a potential 2026 statewide race**

Nancy Mace demonstrates significant preparatory steps for a potential 2026 statewide race. She is affiliated with the "MUST ACT TO CREATE EXCELLENCE PAC" (Committee ID: C00763326), a Leadership PAC established on July 26, 2021 [[^]](https://www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00763326/). Leadership PACs are frequently used by politicians to raise and disburse funds, often indicating ambitions extending beyond their current congressional district [[^]](https://www.fec.gov/data/committee/C00763326/). Further evidence of her statewide intentions is found in the professional title of her press secretary, Piper Gifford, whose LinkedIn profile explicitly states her role as "Press Secretary - Nancy Mace for Governor" [[^]](https://linkedin.com/in/piper-gifford-7ba224161). This suggests that a campaign structure for a gubernatorial run is already forming, indicating an organized effort to build support and financial capacity for such a race.

Ro Khanna lacks similar concrete financial or organizational indicators. The available web research does not contain any information regarding new 'testing the waters' committees, Leadership PACs, or other specific financial or organizational developments for a 2026 statewide race associated with Ro Khanna. Therefore, based solely on the provided sources, Nancy Mace is showing the most concrete financial and organizational preparation for a 2026 statewide race among the two individuals listed.

## How Have McConnell and Pelosi's Legislative Activities Shifted Since 2024?

McConnell 2024 Floor Speeches | 107 [[^]](http://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/mitch_mcconnell/300072/report-card/2024) |
Pelosi 2024 Floor Speeches | 7 [[^]](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/nancy_pelosi/400314/report-card/2024) |
McConnell 2024 Missed Votes | 3 of 105 roll call votes (2.9%) [[^]](http://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/mitch_mcconnell/300072/report-card/2024) |

**Senator Mitch McConnell's official activity since January 2024 shows a decline in floor speeches but consistent legislative sponsorships**

Senator Mitch McConnell's official activity since January 2024 shows a decline in floor speeches but consistent legislative sponsorships. From January 2024, his floor speech frequency decreased to 107 speeches [[^]](http://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/mitch_mcconnell/300072/report-card/2024), which is lower than his 186 speeches in 2015 [[^]](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/mitch_mcconnell/300072/report-card/2015) and slightly below his 111 speeches in 2019 [[^]](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/mitch_mcconnell/300072/report-card/2019). His legislative involvement in bill sponsorships remained constant, with 1 bill or resolution sponsored in 2024 [[^]](http://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/mitch_mcconnell/300072/report-card/2024), matching his record of 1 in both 2015 [[^]](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/mitch_mcconnell/300072/report-card/2015) and 2019 [[^]](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/mitch_mcconnell/300072/report-card/2019). However, a notable shift is observed in his attendance for roll call votes, where he missed **2.9%** (3 out of 105) [[^]](http://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/mitch_mcconnell/300072/report-card/2024), an increase compared to his **0%** missed votes in both 2015 [[^]](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/mitch_mcconnell/300072/report-card/2015) and 2019 [[^]](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/mitch_mcconnell/300072/report-card/2019).

Representative Nancy Pelosi's activity since January 2024 reveals a significant decline in floor speech frequency. Following her step down as Speaker of the House, she gave 7 floor speeches [[^]](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/nancy_pelosi/400314/report-card/2024), a substantial reduction from her career average of 48 per year [[^]](http://www.govtrack.us/congress/person.xpd?id=400314&tab=stats). In terms of legislative activity, her bill sponsorships remained largely consistent, with 6 bills or resolutions in 2024 [[^]](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/nancy_pelosi/400314/report-card/2024) aligning closely with her career average of 7 per year [[^]](http://www.govtrack.us/congress/person.xpd?id=400314&tab=stats). Pelosi also experienced a slight increase in missed votes, recording **1.8%** (1 out of 57) [[^]](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/nancy_pelosi/400314/report-card/2024) compared to her career average of **1%** [[^]](http://www.govtrack.us/congress/person.xpd?id=400314&tab=stats).

## What Are the Ethics Allegations Against Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick?

Ethics Committee Recommendation | Censure and $50,000 fine (December 13, 2025) [[^]](https://ethics.house.gov/press-releases/statement-of-the-chairman-and-ranking-member-of-the-committee-on-ethics-regarding-representative-sheila-cherfilus-mccormick-12/) |
Resignation Date | April 21, 2026 [[^]](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/21/sheila-cherfilus-mccormick-resigns-congress.html) |
New FEC Complaint Filing | April 27, 2026, alleging straw donor scheme [[^]](https://campaignlegal.org/press-releases/new-rep-sheila-cherfilus-mccormick-faces-fec-complaint-clc) |

**House Ethics Committee escalated its investigation, recommending censure and a fine**

House Ethics Committee escalated its investigation, recommending censure and a fine. The House Ethics Committee escalated its investigation into Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, issuing a Statement of Alleged Violation (SAV) on December 13, 2025 [[^]](https://ethics.house.gov/press-releases/statement-of-the-chairman-and-ranking-member-of-the-committee-on-ethics-regarding-representative-sheila-cherfilus-mccormick-12/). The Committee determined that she violated the Code of Official Conduct and House Rules, subsequently recommending her censure and a **$50,000** fine to the House of Representatives [[^]](https://ethics.house.gov/press-releases/statement-of-the-chairman-and-ranking-member-of-the-committee-on-ethics-regarding-representative-sheila-cherfilus-mccormick-12/). This action concluded the investigative phase, advancing towards potential disciplinary measures.

Representative Cherfilus-McCormick resigned, preempting House disciplinary action. Her resignation from Congress, effective April 21, 2026, occurred just prior to the full House's expected vote on the Ethics Committee's disciplinary recommendations [[^]](https://punchbowl.news/article/house/cherfilus-mccormick-last/). While her departure prevents formal action against her as a sitting member, the findings and details of the investigation remain publicly accessible.

New allegations emerged after her resignation, leading to an FEC complaint. Despite her resignation, new allegations arose, leading to an additional complaint against Cherfilus-McCormick filed by the Campaign Legal Center (CLC) with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on April 27, 2026 [[^]](https://campaignlegal.org/press-releases/new-rep-sheila-cherfilus-mccormick-faces-fec-complaint-clc). This complaint alleges her involvement in a straw donor scheme during her 2020 congressional campaign, indicating continued legal and regulatory scrutiny beyond her former congressional status.

## How Have Democrats Responded to Rep. Cuellar's Indictment?

Committee Status | Voluntarily stepped down from House Appropriations Committee [[^]](https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/03/henry-cuellar-indictment-political-impact/) |
DCCC Program Inclusion | Included in 2026 "Frontline" program [[^]](https://dccc.org/dccc-announces-members-of-2026-frontline-program/) |
New Fundraising | $404,300 as of June 2024 [[^]](https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Fundraising+Update%3A+Representative+Henry+Cuellar+just+disclosed+%24404.3K+of+new+fundraising) |

**Democratic leadership actions on Cuellar's committee assignments have been consistent**

Democratic leadership actions on Cuellar's committee assignments have been consistent. Following his May 2024 indictment, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries supported Representative Henry Cuellar's voluntary decision to take a leave of absence from the House Appropriations Committee. This move aligns with House Democratic Caucus rules and mirrors a similar action Cuellar took during an earlier investigation in 2022 [[^]](https://www.texastribune.org/2024/05/03/henry-cuellar-indictment-political-impact/).

The DCCC has continued supporting Cuellar's reelection and fundraising efforts. In contrast to the committee decision, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has maintained its support for Cuellar's reelection efforts. The DCCC included him on its 2026 "Frontline" list, a program designed to provide critical support to vulnerable incumbents [[^]](https://dccc.org/dccc-announces-members-of-2026-frontline-program/). This decision, made public around the time of his indictment, indicates continued party backing despite the scrutiny [[^]](https://www.coloradopolitics.com/house-democrats-campaign-arm-adds-latino-heavy-districts-to-2026-frontline-list/article_28bb5fee-d9ef-5453-88d9-f5b57c62737c.html). Furthermore, Cuellar reported robust fundraising, securing **$404,300** in new funds as of June 2024 [[^]](https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Fundraising+Update%3A+Representative+Henry+Cuellar+just+disclosed+%24404.3K+of+new+fundraising).

## What Could Change the Odds

**Key takeaway.** Catalyst analysis unavailable.

## Key Dates & Catalysts

- **Expiration:** July 08, 2026
- **Closes:** July 01, 2026

## Decision-Flipping Events

- Catalyst analysis unavailable.

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## Historical Resolutions

**Historical Resolutions:** 1 markets in this series

**Outcomes:** 1 resolved YES, 0 resolved NO

**Recent resolutions:**

- KXLEAVEHOUSE-26APR-SCHE: YES (Apr 21, 2026)

## Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or trading advice.
Prediction markets involve risk of loss. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
We are not affiliated with Kalshi or any prediction market platform. Market data may be delayed or incomplete.

### Data Sources & Model Transparency

**Data Sources:** Octagon Deep Research aggregates information from multiple sources including news, filings, and market data.

**Freshness:** Analysis is generated periodically and may not reflect the latest developments. Verify critical information from primary sources.

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