Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) is the 17th House Democrat to announce a retirement this cycle compared to seven Republicans.

And all of those Republicans are trying to win higher office.

Of the Democratic retirements, eight are running for another position while nine are flat-out retiring.

Democrats need a net gain of 26 seats to retake control of the lower chamber. (Oregon Democratic Rep. David Wu’s seat is vacant, and that special election is Jan. 31).

Pure retirements (Dems)

Dan Boren (Okla.)
Dale Kildee (Mich.)
Lynn Woolsey (Calif.)
Mike Ross (Ark.)
Jerry Costello (Ill.)
Dennis Cardoza (Calif.)
John Olver (Mass.)
Charlie Gonzalez (Texas)
Barney Frank (Mass.)

Running for another office (Dems)

Jay Inslee (Washington governor)
Tammy Baldwin (Wisconsin Senate)
Shelley Berkley (Nevada Senate)
Mazie Hirono (Hawaii Senate)
Chris Murphy (Connecticut Senate)
Martin Heinrich (New Mexico Senate)
Joe Donnelly (Indiana Senate)
Bob Filner (San Diego Mayor)

Running for another office (GOP)

Todd Akin (Missouri Senate)
Jeff Flake (Arizona Senate)
Mike Pence (Indiana Governor)
Mike Rehberg (Montana Senate)
Connie Mack (Florida Senate)
Rick Berg (North Dakota Senate)
Ron Paul (President)

(Source: The Hill)