Graves is 62 and has represented the Missouri 6th District in Congress since 2001 and joins a growing number of House members stepping aside ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Prior to first elected to Congress in 2000, Graves served 8 years in the Missouri General Assembly as a state representative and a state senator. He became the top Republican member of the U.S. House of Representative's Transportation Committee in 2019, and became chairman in 2023.
Candidate filing ends Tuesday, March 31.
Republican state Representative Mazzie Christenseon of Bethany has confirmed she is considering entering the race.
Chris Stigall, a nationally syndicated radio host has announced he will file to run for Graves seat.
