It’s no secret that more lawmakers are eyeing the exits than at any time in recent memory. After the recent raft of congressional retirements, here are some Democratic members to watch over the next couple of weeks as they decide their future plans.
Important dates to keep in mind: Illinois’ election filing deadline is Dec. 4, California’s is Dec. 8, followed by Texas on Dec. 11, North Carolina on Dec. 15 and Ohio on Dec. 20. In January, Kentucky, Mississippi and West Virginia all have filing deadlines.
We’re going to focus on Democrats today and Republicans tomorrow.
Wiley Nickel (D-N.C.): Proposed new North Carolina maps would turn Nickel’s swing seat into a solidly Republican district. When we asked his office whether the freshman lawmaker would seek reelection, we were referred to a statement from last month where Nickel said he’d announce his decision “once the courts have spoken.”
Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.): Clyburn’s spokesperson Kennedy Anderson told us “no decisions have yet been made,” on whether the 83-year-old Clyburn will run for a 17th term. Clyburn, who serves in leadership as the assistant Democratic leader, stepped down from his role as whip after the party lost control of the House last cycle.
Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.): The 77-year-old Ruppersberger still hasn’t made a decision on whether he will seek an 11th term in office, according to spokesperson Jaime Lennon.
John Larson (D-Conn.): Larson was pointedly asked during a local news interview earlier this month if he was committing to running in 2024. Larson wouldn’t give a straight answer, but said he was “leaning strongly toward running.” Larson’s office didn’t respond to a request for an update on his decision process.
David Scott (D-Ga.): The top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee is physically ailing and hasn’t been as present in farm bill negotiations compared to past years.
Steny Hoyer (D-Md.): The former House majority leader recently told local radio host Kojo Nnamdi he’s “not giving up” when asked about his political future. But Hoyer, 84, has also been in the House since 1981 and is no longer in Democratic leadership (although he serves as head of the Regional Leadership Council).
One House member who’s not retiring? Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio). “Congresswoman Kaptur will seek reelection, and will file her petitions in December as required,” Kaptur spokesperson Ben Kamens told us.
— Max Cohen
