Rep. Kathleen Rice on Tuesday announced she will not run for reelection in November, joining the ranks of retiring House Democrats as Long Island congressional seats get scrambled amid her party’s gerrymandering effort.
In a statement, Rice said she “entered public service 30 years ago and never left.”
“It has been the honor of my life to serve as a prosecutor, district attorney, and U.S. Representative in my beloved home state of New York,” said Rice, who turned 57 on Tuesday. “I have always believed that holding political office is neither destiny nor a right. As elected officials, we must give all we have and then know when it is time to allow others to serve.”
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Rice said she “will remain focused on protecting our democracy and serving my constituents throughout the rest of my term.”
As I turn to the next chapter of my own personal and professional story, I do so with profound thanks to the community leaders, colleagues and staff who have lived our shared commitment to service with courage and humility. pic.twitter.com/GBVvtrWpia
— Kathleen Rice (@RepKathleenRice) February 15, 2022
“As I turn to the next chapter of my own personal and professional story, I do so with profound thanks to the community leaders, colleagues and staff who have lived our shared commitment to service with courage and humility,” she added.
Rice is the 30th House Democrat to forgo a reelection bid, either to retire or seek another office — more than double the number of Republicans who have made similar announcements.
The growing number of Democratic departures could be an additional hurdle for the party as it seeks to maintain congressional majorities in the fall.
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Republicans have characterized the Democratic departures as proof the upcoming election cycle will favor them. Republicans need to net about five seats in November to reclaim the majority the party lost in 2018.
New York’s 4th Congressional District, which Rice represents, is being redrawn as part of a Democratic gerrymander. It covers central and southern Nassau County on Long Island.
New York is losing a House seat due to relatively slow population growth. The Democratic-enacted map aims to turn the party’s current 18 Democrat/nine Republican edge to a 24-4 advantage.
