Rep. Dan Kildee introduced Thursday he wouldn’t run for reelection in 2024 and can go away Congress on the finish of his time period.
The Michigan Democrat mentioned in a video posted on X that for a lot of the yr, he was “actively planning” his reelection marketing campaign however determined in opposition to it after being identified with most cancers earlier within the yr.
“I had successful surgery, and I’m cancer-free. But after spending time with my wife, my children, my grandchildren, contemplating our future, the time has come for me to step back from public office,” the Flint-area congressman mentioned.
Mr. Kildee was identified with squamous cell carcinoma, a critical however curable type of most cancers. Doctors this yr eliminated a small tumor in one in all his tonsils.
“This was not an easy decision for me to make. But I know it’s the right one for me and for my family. I’m confident that Michigan will reelect President Biden, will entrust Democrats with legislative majorities, and will elect a Democrat to serve Michigan’s 8th District after I retire from Congress.”
Mr. Kildee, 65, was first elected to Congress in 2012 after serving in a number of elected native posts and after his uncle, Rep. Dale Kildee, retired after representing the area for 18 phrases.
His exit from Capitol Hill will finish his household’s illustration of the realm in Washington for the primary time since 1977.
Mr. Kildee, who gained his sixth time period in 2022 after defeating Republican Paul Junge, serves on the Budget Committee, the Ways and Means Committee and as co-chairman of the Steering and Policy Committee.
He additionally has lengthy served because the Democrats’ chief deputy whip.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, New York Democrat, praised Mr. Kildee for his work, particularly citing the Flint water disaster.
“A son of Flint, Congressman Dan Kildee has kept his hometown and the hardworking people of Michigan at the center of his career in public service,” he mentioned.
“In Congress, Dan has been a champion for working families in the Heartland and throughout America. Amid the horrific Flint Water Crisis, Dan worked across the aisle to unite Republicans and Democrats to deliver much-needed relief to his community,” Mr. Jeffries mentioned. “In the years since, Dan has never stopped fighting for clean drinking water for Flint and communities across Michigan dealing with the harmful impacts of lead pipes, forever chemicals like PFAS and more.
“I wish him and his family the best as he embarks on this next chapter.”
