NY Rep. Kathleen Rice is the 30th House Democrat to bow out of 2022 race
New York Rep. Kathleen Rice announced Tuesday she will not seek re-election to Congress, marking the 30th Democratic departure from the House headed into the 2022 midterm elections.
In a statement posted to Twitter, Rice reflected on her time in public service, calling it the “honor of my life” to serve the people of New York.
“I entered public service 30 years ago and never left. It has been the honor of my life to serve as a prosecutor, district attorney and US Representative in my beloved home state of New York,” she wrote. “I have always believed that holding political office is neither destiny nor a right. As elected officials, we must give all we have and then know when it is time to allow others to serve.”
“Though I will not be running for re-election to Congress this year, I will remain focused on protecting our democracy and serving my constituents throughout the rest of my terms,” Rice continued. “As I turn to the next chapter in my own personal and professional story, I do so with profound thanks to the community leaders, colleagues and staff who have lived our shared commitment to service with courage and humility.”
Rice was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2014 and has served on the Homeland Security Committee as well as the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
During her time in office, Rice has not shied away from speaking her mind and was the first Democratic member of Congress to call on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign following accusations of inappropriate behavior last year.
Previously, Rice served as an assistant district attorney in Brooklyn before being appointed as an assistant US attorney in 1999. In 2005, she became the first woman elected district attorney of Nassau County, where she served until her congressional run.
Tuesday’s announcement comes about three weeks after Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn.) announced his intention not to run again later this fall. The 67-year-old cited redistricting as the main reason behind his departure.
“Despite my strength at the polls, I could not stop the General Assembly from dismembering Nashville,” he said in a statement. “No one tried harder to keep our city whole. I explored every possible way, including lawsuits, to stop the gerrymandering and to win one of the three new congressional districts that now divide Nashville. There’s no way, at least for me in this election cycle, but there may be a path for other worthy candidates.”
The congressman added that he was announcing his decision “promptly so that others have more time to campaign” and promised to return donations for a re-election campaign that will not happen.
Other recent retirement announcements include Reps. Jim Langevin of Rhode Island, Jerry McNerney of California and Bobby Rush of Illinois.
In total, 30 House Democrats have said they will not run for re-election, with 22 retiring from public service, four running for US Senate and four seeking other office.
Only 13 Republicans have also said they will not contest their seats later this year. The GOP will need to pick up a net of six seats to regain the majority in the House.
