Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced her resignation from the U.S. Congress, effective January 5, 2026. The move, prompted by what she described as disillusionment with the current political landscape, raises questions about the financial arrangements for departing members of Congress.
While her tenure will not be long enough to qualify for an immediate pension, her five years of service do make her eligible for a deferred federal retirement annuity later in life, alongside other vested benefits.
Key Takeaways
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation is set for January 5, 2026, giving her just over five years of congressional service.
- She will not receive an immediate congressional pension due to not meeting the age requirement.
- Greene is eligible for a deferred annuity from the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), which she can claim at age 62.
- She will retain her Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) balance and is entitled to Social Security benefits based on her full earnings history.
The Mechanics of a Congressional Departure
Greene, who is 51, was first elected to represent Georgia's 14th congressional district in 2020 and took office in January 2021. Her decision to leave Congress before completing her current term means she falls short of the criteria for an immediate retirement package available to longer-serving members.
The resignation follows a reported political split with former President Donald Trump, a figure she had long supported. This shift marks a significant turn in a political career that has often captured national attention.
With her departure, Georgia's governor, Brian Kemp, will be responsible for calling a special election to fill the vacant seat. The U.S. Constitution mandates that all vacancies in the House of Representatives must be filled by election, with no temporary appointments permitted. The district is expected to remain under Republican control.
Understanding FERS for Congress
Members of Congress elected after 1984 are enrolled in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), a three-tiered plan. It includes a Basic Benefit Plan (pension), Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which is similar to a 401(k). The system is designed to provide a comprehensive retirement package based on service length and age.
Breaking Down Federal Retirement Eligibility
The rules governing congressional pensions are specific. Under the FERS program, a member of Congress is generally eligible for an immediate annuity if they meet one of the following conditions:
- Age 62 with at least five years of service
- Age 50 with at least 20 years of service
- Any age with at least 25 years of service
Upon her resignation, Greene will have completed the five-year service minimum. However, at age 51, she does not meet the age 62 requirement for an immediate payout. This distinction is crucial in understanding her post-congressional financial standing.
The Deferred Annuity Option
Because she has met the five-year service threshold, Greene is entitled to a deferred annuity. This means she can begin receiving her pension payments once she reaches the age of 62. The amount of this annuity is calculated based on her years of service and her average highest three years of salary.
Alternatively, she has the option to request a refund of her personal retirement contributions. Choosing this lump-sum payout would forfeit her right to the future annuity, effectively closing her account with the federal pension system.
What Happens to Her Benefits?
After leaving office, Marjorie Taylor Greene will be entitled to three key financial components:
- Deferred FERS Annuity: Pension payments that can begin when she turns 62.
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): She retains full control over her TSP balance, which she can keep invested, roll over into another retirement account, or withdraw.
- Social Security: Her congressional service is covered by Social Security, contributing to her overall benefits which will be calculated based on her entire work history.
The Political Aftermath in Georgia
Greene's resignation will leave her northwest Georgia district without representation on Capitol Hill until a successor is chosen. Political experts in the state suggest a special election could be held as early as March 2026.
"If there is a special election to fill out the rest of Greene’s term, Gov. Brian Kemp will be the elected official to set the date," stated Ricky Hess, chairman of the Paulding County Republican Party.
The timing is significant, as Georgia's regularly scheduled primary elections are set for May 19, 2026. Governor Kemp could align the special election with that date or call for an earlier contest to ensure the district is represented sooner.
Given the district's strong Republican leaning, the seat is widely expected to be filled by another member of the GOP. The focus will now shift to the candidates who will emerge to compete for the unexpected opening in a district that has been a focal point of national political discourse.
