Oct 10, 2019 - Politics & Policy

Rep. Nita Lowey will not seek re-election in 2020

Axios

Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) said in a statement Thursday that she will not seek re-election in 2020.

Why it matters: The 82-year-old Lowey, who has served in Congress for 31 years, is responsible for all spending negotiations as chair of the House Appropriations Committee. The 17th district of New York that she represents is a Democratic stronghold that Hillary Clinton won by 20 points in 2016, according to Roll Call.

Between the lines: The retirement will have political implications for the New York Democratic Party, which is experiencing a widening divide between establishment figures and left-wing insurgents — exemplified by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's primary victory in 2018 over 10-term incumbent Joe Crowley. Lowey was facing a primary challenge from 32-year-old progressive attorney Mondaire Jones.

Go deeper: More Republicans than Democrats leaving Congress before 2020 election

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Rep. Nita Lowey will not seek re-election in 2020

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