CONCORD, N.H. – In a surprise announcement, longtime Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster of New Hampshire said she will not seek re-election to the House of Representatives this year.
“I have always said that I do not intend to remain in Congress forever and that I do not intend to seek re-election in 2024,” the six-term congressman from a key general election battleground state said in a statement Wednesday. Stated.
Kuster, who was a lawyer and lobbyist for the medical and pharmaceutical industries before being elected to the House of Representatives in 2012, said his time in Congress was “rewarding, frustrating, exciting, and challenging.” There were many things like that, but most of all,” he emphasized. , it was an honor. ”
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Congresswoman Annie Kuster participates in a press conference at the Capitol on June 15, 2022. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, via Getty Images)
During his years on Capitol Hill, Kuster became known for tackling important issues across the aisle and candidly sharing personal experiences, including being a victim of sexual assault when he was younger. Ta.
Kuster’s announcement sparked a surprise reaction on social media Wednesday morning across the political world and media.
“That’s amazing. Mr. Kuster might be the only incumbent senator I helped elect when I worked at the DCCC in 2012,” said Josh Schwerin, a longtime Democratic political operative. Posted in X.
“Wow!” said Michael LaRosa, former press secretary to first lady Jill Biden. Posted in X.
“A big surprise came out of New Hampshire this morning. Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster will not seek re-election, and NH-02 will be held,” said one Politico reporter. Posted in X.
“That’s amazing. Congressman Kuster is the chairman of the New Democratic Party, one of the largest Democratic caucuses in the House,” said an Associated Press reporter. Posted in X. “The number of retirees in the House of Representatives continues to grow.”
Sen. Maggie Hassan (left) and Rep. Annie Kuster (right), Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar attend a rally in Nashua, New Hampshire, Nov. 6, 2022. (Fox News)
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D.N.Y.) praised Kuster as “a friend of mine,” calling her “a source of great strength to me and countless others in the House Democratic Caucus.” It was,” he said.
“We will be sorely missed in the next Congress. I wish her and her family all the best in this new chapter,” he added.
Kuster represents New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District, which covers the western half of the state from the Massachusetts border in the north to the Canadian border. Many of Concord and the surrounding communities are represented by Kuster.
It is likely that several Democrats will come forward to replace Mr. Kuster in blue-leaning districts in the coming days and weeks.
Congresswoman Annie Kuster marches in the Fourth of July parade in Amherst, New Hampshire, on July 4, 2022. (Fox News – Paul Steinhauser)
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Kuster could play a key role in the race for his succession, but he avoided such discussion in the statement.
“I will continue to serve the people of New Hampshire until my term ends in January 2025. In the coming months, I will use my personal resources to help Congress build on the progress we have made and finish the job for the American people.” I’m going to put in the time,” Kuster said.
Republicans aim to protect their razor-thin House majority in November’s elections.
Republicans currently hold a 218-213 majority in the House.
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