Leading House Democrat Shocks With Sudden Retirement Announcement

A number one House Democrat serving in her sixth time period has determined to name it quits, based on a neighborhood report.

Rep. Annie Kuster instructed WMUR-TV in Manchester, New Hampshire, that she’ll go forward and end out her present time period, however she’ll be leaving earlier than the brand new Congress is sworn in subsequent January.

“The congresswoman’s announcement sends a shockwave through New Hampshire politics, creating an open race for the 2nd Congressional District seat she has held since 2013,” the outlet reported.

“NH-02 covers a wide and diverse swath of the state from Nashua to the Canadian border, and several Democrats may step forward to run,” it defined.

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According to the report, Kuster is a political “centrist” who’s “pro-business,” two traits not a lot in frequent with the rest of the Democratic Party. She is at the moment the chief of the congressional group New Democrat Coalition.

“I spent a lot of time with my family this winter, and we did a lot of skiing and traveling, and I’ve realized I have a life, and my husband Brad has been very patient,” she instructed WMUR. “I want to spend time with my sons as they’re heading into their married lives — and hopefully grandchildren on the way one day,” she added.

“And I really want to lean in on helping my colleagues and these fantastic candidates that we’ve recruited,” she instructed the outlet.

New Hampshire Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster joins rising record of lawmakers not in search of re-election in 2024 https://t.co/NmAvs3gmOY pic.twitter.com/Mij7GC38YB

— New York Post (@nypost) March 28, 2024

Kuster additionally talked about her legislative priorities.

“As founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force, I have pushed for comprehensive legislation to address this crisis and expand access to treatment and recovery services,” Kuster mentioned, based on WMUR.

“As founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, I have worked across the aisle to tackle the scourge of sexual violence and equip survivors with the support they need to recover,” she added.

The congresswoman has additionally posted a retirement announcement to her congressional net web page, a portion of which says:

“When I used to be first elected to Congress in 2012, I promised to convey a brand new method to Washington. Over the previous 12 years, I’ve been proud to just do that. As founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force, I’ve pushed for complete laws to handle this disaster and develop entry to remedy and restoration companies. As founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, I’ve labored throughout the aisle to deal with the scourge of sexual violence and equip survivors with the support they should recuperate. As chair of the New Democrat Coalition, I’ve helped bridge the partisan divide and discover commonsense options to the largest points dealing with our nation. While there’s nonetheless extra to be finished, we now have made nice progress.

“This work has been many issues — rewarding, irritating, inspiring, and difficult. But, greater than something, it has been an honor. As your congresswoman, I’ve had the possibility to fulfill instantly with the individuals who make New Hampshire such an unbelievable place to stay, work, and lift a household. From our small enterprise house owners to our first responders, farmers, lecturers, veterans, well being care suppliers, seniors, and native leaders, each dialog has been insightful and has guided my efforts in Washington.

“As I look to the longer term, I’m excited by the work and alternatives that lie forward. We all have a task to play in standing up for what we imagine in, advocating for a greater future, and pursuing the change that we need to see. I all the time mentioned I used to be not going to remain in Congress without end—I cannot be in search of re-election in 2024. 

“I’ll proceed serving the individuals of New Hampshire till the tip of my time period in January 2025. In the months forward, I’ll use my time to assist Congress construct on the progress we now have made and end the job for the American individuals. I’ll proceed to steer the New Democrat Coalition to assist go complete, bipartisan laws to maneuver our nation ahead.

“Thank you to the individuals of New Hampshire’s Second District who’ve trusted me to characterize them for the previous 12 years. Thank you to my husband Brad, my sons Zach and Travis, and my household for all the time standing with me by means of this journey, each step of the best way. It’s the consideration of my life to characterize my residence and my group, bringing our Granite State values and the voices of New Hampshire’s Second District to Congress. 

“Onward!”

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