Rep. Kildee won't seek re-election to Michigan House seat
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Rep. Dan Kildee. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images.
Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.), a member of Democratic leadership, said Thursday he will not run for re-election in 2024 after more than a decade in the House.
The big picture: Kildee is the latest in a string of lawmakers in recent weeks who have announced their decision to not seek another term.
- "I've just come to the conclusion that it's time to go home," Kildee told Axios.
- Politico was first to report the news of his decision.
Driving the news: Kildee, the co-chair of Democrats' steering and policy committee, said in a statement, "I have decided to not seek re-election and will leave Congress at the end of my term on January 3, 2025."
- Kildee said he was "was actively planning another campaign" before his cancer diagnosis earlier this year. His treatment was successful but the diagnosis prompted him to decide to spend more time with his family.
- The Michigan Democrat said that while he is not running for re-election, he will do "everything I can to help elect common sense, principled and results-oriented leaders."
- "While I'm stepping back from elected office... I'm most definitely not retiring," he added. "I'm looking forward to a new chapter continuing to serve Flint and mid-Michigan, just outside of elected office."
State of play: Kildee's retirement is a major loss to Democrats in a key swing seat in central Michigan.
- Cook Political Report's Dave Wasserman moved his rating of the seat from "leaning Democratic" to "toss up" after Kildee's announcement.
Zoom out: Several high-ranking or longtime House members in both parties have announced their retirements in recent weeks, including House Appropriations Committee Chair Kay Granger (R-Texas).
- Rep. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.) stunned many on Capitol Hill by announcing his plans to step down next February reportedly to run a performing arts center.
