Democrat House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has suffered another huge blow after Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-CA) announced today that he will not run for re-election.
Pelosi has a narrow margin in the House now, with redistricting and the red wave all but certain it is critical her incumbents stick around.
But they are jumping ship in massive numbers.
Lowenthal said: “Almost 30 years ago to the day, I made the decision to run for the Long Beach City Council because I felt that my councilmember didn’t listen to me or my neighbors.
“Every day since, over three decades of public service, I have recommitted myself to listening to you, to serving your interests, and doing my best for you.
“This journey has taken me from Long Beach City Hall, to the California State Capitol, and to our nation’s capital. During my time as a public servant, I have met some of the most incredible people, received the counsel of wise leaders, and had the honor of working with some of the most dedicated public servants.
“However, throughout this journey, sharing moments with the people I serve have always been some of the high points of my career.
“I have been deeply touched by your support over so many years just as I am deeply honored by the trust and faith you have placed in me to represent you.
“My first experience in politics was as a teenager working on the campaign of Adlai Stevenson.
“I have often reflected on him saying that the job of a public servant is to “do justly” and “to walk humbly.” I have tried to live up to this throughout my journey.
“But just as every journey has a beginning, so too does it have an end.
“I am announcing today that I will not be running for reelection to Congress in 2022.
“It is time to pass the baton. It is time to rest and surround myself with the benefits of a life well lived and earned honorably in the service of my fellow citizens.
“During this journey, I have had the pleasure of raising two fine sons who have blessed me with four grandchildren who I adore.
“I now look forward to spending my time with them and watching them grow and flourish into wonderful people like their parents.
“It is also a chance for me and my wife, Debbie, who has been my rock throughout this journey and who has been by my side despite her own sacrifices, to even more deeply enjoy our lives together.
“But this is not the end. I will be your champion in Washington for another year, and I am determined to make the most of that time.
“After that, there are certainly other pages left to write in my life and other challenges I would like to take on beyond the halls of government.
“As Robert Frost wrote, there are miles to go before I sleep.
“I believe deeply in the innate goodness of our nation and our people. I have seen us live up to that potential so many times, and in doing so, move our nation and the world forward.
“But progress must be earned. It remains up to each of us to continue that struggle.
“While I am stepping aside from the front lines of that struggle, I will continue to be at your side, fighting for what is right, for what is just, and for what makes us better as both a people and a nation,” he said.
After serving the 47th District of California for almost 10 years in Washington, D.C., I have decided not to run for reelection to Congress in 2022. Read my full statement to my constituents: https://t.co/jZm8VdXvz7
— Rep. Alan Lowenthal (@RepLowenthal) December 16, 2021
