There are members of the United States House of Representatives who spent only a single two-year term (or less) in office usually either due to death, resignation, or electoral defeat.
In some rare cases freshmen members have decided to run for another office or not run for reelection, and two members (John William Reid and George Santos) have been expelled.
Many members who serve in the House for only one term are viewed by historians and political experts as having won under circumstances largely beyond their control, such as riding in on the coattails of a popular presidential or statewide candidate of their party, or by running against a scandalized incumbent.
Other special cases include Morris Michael Edelstein, who won a special election to the 76th United States Congress, won re-election to a full term to the 77th United States Congress, but died early in that term after serving less than two years total.
Members who served in the United States Congress, but also served in the Congress of the Confederate States or as a delegate, are included.