When it comes to losing key staff, the office of Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.) stands out.
Jackson leads the House in staff departures so far this year, according to a LegiStorm analysis. His office has a turnover rate more than four times the chamber's average.
Of the 13 full-time staffers who joined the freshman member's (D-Ill.) office from January through March, only three remain on his staff.
Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.), who is not seeking reelection next year, has the second highest turnover rate, more than triple the House average. Although retiring members are expected to have high turnover, Spartz led the House in turnover last year and has inspired a Politico report on her alleged mistreatment of staffers.
Reps. Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.), Jim Baird (R-Ind.) and Mary Peltola (D-Alaska) each have turnover roughly three times the average and round out the House's five worst staff-retention rates.
Two offices that have had a lot of focus on staffing issues this year are Reps. George Santos and Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), yet they have had a much easier time keeping staff. They have a turnover rate only 1.2 and 1.6 times the House, respectively.
On average, House Republicans and Democrats have experienced roughly equal turnover since January.
High turnover doesn't necessarily indicate that an individual member is difficult to work for. But over time, consistently poor staff retention can result in lower productivity and effectiveness and may indicate a workplace that staffers wish to avoid.
LegiStorm's staff turnover index is salary-weighted, meaning that the departure of a higher-paid staffer, such as a chief of staff, will count proportionately more than a staff assistant or other lower-paid staffer. LegiStorm considers only full-time, non-temporary staff and excludes all interns and fellows.
