As the 2026 midterms approach, the financial disclosures of Congress's wealthiest members offer a snapshot of the political and economic forces shaping the upcoming elections. Several of these lawmakers are leaving office voluntarily, while others are locked in competitive races that could redefine the balance of power.
Top of the List: Jefferson Shreve
Representative Jefferson Shreve (R-Ind.) leads Quiver Quantitative's net worth rankings with an estimated $715.2 million. A former Indianapolis city council member, Shreve built his fortune through Storage Express, a self-storage company he sold for $590 million in 2022. He narrowly survived a primary challenge in May and now faces Democrat Cynthia Wirth in November, a rematch of their 2024 contest.
Jim Justice: A Billionaire No More
Senator Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) ranks second with an estimated net worth of $664.4 million, but his financial picture is complicated by significant debt. Forbes once valued him at $1.9 billion but stripped him of billionaire status in 2021, and by 2025 estimated his net worth had fallen below zero due to liabilities exceeding assets. Justice also agreed to pay nearly $5.2 million in overdue personal taxes after the IRS filed liens exceeding $8 million against him and his wife. He won his Senate seat in 2024 and serves through 2030.
Rick Scott and Darrell Issa: Wealth and Political Futures
Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) previously topped many wealth lists but now sits third with an estimated $509.4 million. Before entering politics, Scott co-founded HCA Healthcare and Solantic, and served as Florida's governor from 2011 to 2019. His next race is the 2030 Florida Senate election.
Representative Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) made his money as CEO of Directed Electronics, a car-alarm maker. Quiver estimates his worth at $399.3 million as of May 24. Issa ended his reelection campaign on March 6 and endorsed San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond. California's new congressional map shifted his district from solidly Republican to one slightly favoring Democrats.
Retirements and Democratic Wealth
Representative Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) has an estimated net worth of $272.1 million, built through car dealerships, an aircraft leasing company, and Speedy Printing. He announced on January 27 that he would not seek reelection.
Representative Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is the wealthiest Democrat in Congress, with an estimated $262.4 million, largely from her husband Paul Pelosi's stock holdings. Pelosi, the first female House Speaker, has served since 1987 and announced she would not run again after her term ends in 2027. She has endorsed San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan to succeed her.
Senators and Heirs in the Spotlight
Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) made his fortune in telecommunications venture capital, including early involvement with what became Nextel. His net worth is estimated at $210.1 million. Warner is seeking a fourth term against Republican Bert Mizusawa and has said this will be his last campaign.
Representative Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.), an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, has an estimated net worth of $208 million. He lost the June 23 Democratic primary to former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander by a wide margin, roughly 66 percent to 34 percent.
Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) is the eldest son of TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts, with an estimated net worth of $206.6 million. A former Nebraska governor, Ricketts is in one of the most closely watched Senate races against independent Dan Osborn, a union mechanic who has focused on Ricketts' family wealth. For more on how wealth shapes political contests, see this analysis of a Florida Senate bid.
Representative April McClain Delaney (D-Md.), a first-term lawmaker, has an estimated net worth of $199.1 million. A lawyer and former Commerce Department official, she is married to former Representative John Delaney, who held the same seat from 2013 to 2019. Delaney defeated former Representative David Trone in the June primary, 48 percent to 36 percent, and now faces Republican Robin Ficker in November.
As these wealthy lawmakers navigate their political futures, their financial disclosures remain a key lens for voters. The concentration of wealth in Congress raises questions about representation and policy priorities, a topic that continues to resonate with voters. For more on how departing members are shaping the legislative agenda, see this report on the lame-duck session.
