A Democrat in the House of Representatives announced she will not seek reelection in her swing district.
Congresswoman Annie Kuster of New Hampshire announced on March 27 that she is leaving at the end of her current term – the 11th member of her party to retire in 2024. Her decision sets the stage for a possible Republican challenge in November.
“This work has been many things — rewarding, frustrating, inspiring, and challenging. But, more than anything, it has been an honor,” Kuster said in a statement, per NBC News. “As I look to the future, I am excited by the work and opportunities that lie ahead. We all have a role to play in standing up for what we believe in, advocating for a better future, and pursuing the change that we want to see.”
“I always said I was not going to stay in Congress forever,” the 67-year-old said.
Kuster was first elected to Congress in 2012. She founded and co-chairs the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force as well as the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence. In the current congress, Kuster is a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee. She also chairs the New Democrat Coalition, Congress’s largest group of moderate Democrats.
The vice chairs of the coalition – Representatives Sharice Davids of Kansas, Derek Kilmer of Washington, Brad Schneider of Illinois, and Salud Carbajal of California – praised Kuster for her efforts during her tenure.
“Since joining Congress and the New Democrat Coalition over a decade ago, Chair Kuster has worked to build a better future for her constituents and for Americans across the country. When too many in Washington are a part of the problem, she’s always been a part of the solution,” they said in a joint statement.
“From helping champion the largest mental health and gun safety legislation in a decade, to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act, Kuster has made an incredible and lasting impact,” they continued. “Getting things done in Washington is not easy – far from it. However, Annie made it her mission in Congress to approach every day with radical hospitality and a willingness to work across the aisle to deliver real results.”
New Hampshire’s Second Congressional District narrowly leans toward the Democratic Party. It stretches from the state’s Canadian border to its borders with Massachusetts and Vermont. The area includes the city of Nashua and Dartmouth College.
In total, 25 House Democrats have announced their intention to leave Congress.
Another 21 House Republicans will leave or retire by the end of the year. Wisconsin Congressman Matt Rosendale announced on March 22 that he will depart by April 19 – shrinking his party’s control of the chamber to 217-213.
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