There are now 25 House Democrats not seeking reelection in the midterm elections this year.
Rep. Brenda Lawrence, who hails from Michigan, said on Tuesday she will not campaign for another term.
“This year marks my 30th year in elected public service, and I’ve had the good fortune of serving Michiganders on the local and national level,” Lawrence said in a tweet. “After reflecting on my journey & having conversations with my family, I’m announcing that I will not be seeking re-election to Congress.”
LONGTIME ILLINOIS REP. BOBBY RUSH JOINS RANKS OF RETIRING HOUSE DEMOCRATS
This year marks my 30th year in elected public service, and I’ve had the good fortune of serving Michiganders on the local and national level.
After reflecting on my journey & having conversations with my family, I’m announcing that I will not be seeking re-election to Congress. pic.twitter.com/QBmdExSKaj
— Brenda Lawrence (@RepLawrence) January 5, 2022
Her departure may not provide Republicans much of an opportunity for another gain, as her district that includes part of Detroit leans heavily Democratic before a newly drawn map takes effect, but it is another foreboding sign for the Democratic Party as its members, even in safe seats, flee for the exits and Republicans look increasingly likely to win the House in the midterm elections in November.
In total, 37 House members have announced they won’t seek reelection. Twenty-one are retiring and 16 are seeking other offices. Ten Republicans so far have said they will not seek reelection. Among the Democrats not seeking reelection this year are Reps. Bobby Rush and Cheri Bustos of Illinois, Lucille Roybal-Allard and Jackie Speier of California, Albio Sires of New Jersey, and Stephanie Murphy of Florida.
Separately, three Democrats and two Republicans left office before their terms ended, most recently House Intelligence Committee ranking member Devin Nunes.
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Meanwhile, with the Senate split 50-50 and Democrats having a tiebreaker in Vice President Kamala Harris, one race could flip the balance in the upper chamber.
Lawrence, 67, is a former U.S. Postal Service employee and mayor of Southfield, Michigan, who joined Congress in 2015. She is vice chairwoman of the powerful Appropriations Committee.
