Senior Dem Rep To Retire From Congress Ahead Of 2022 Midterms Dealing Another Blow To Nancy Pelosi
Texas Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson announced she will retire from Congress rather than run again in another blow to Nancy Pelosi. Johnson represents the Lone Star State’s 30th District which includes a large part of Dallas.
She has been in office for three decades. She said she made up her mind just recently after weighing multiple reasons to stay. She said the best reason she had for staying is that she is a personal friend to President Joe Biden and that comes with influence that could help her district.
A subtle snub of Joe Biden on the way out will be more common among the Dems as reality sets in. She said:
“I have gone back and forth the whole time because of the pleading and the asking, but as of January the year after next, I will step down.
“There is a good reason I should stay: I am a personal friend to the president, I have gained some respect and influence.
“I will retire, and let me assure you, I will recommend to you who is the best to follow me.
“My goal is to look for a female that is qualified.
“Anyone who has already been rejected in this district will not be getting my endorsement.
“And I will appreciate you appreciating my judgment.
From Fox News:
A spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee reacted to the news by suggesting it is a sign the Democratic Party is in trouble heading into the midterms.
“Committee chairs rarely retire unless their party is about to lose the majority.
Smart Democrats know their majority is doomed because their policies have led to rising costs, skyrocketing crime, and a massive surge at the border,” NRCC Spokesman Mike Berg said.
She acknowledges she previously promised this would be her last term. "I have gone back and forth … the whole time because of the pleading and the asking, but as of January … the year after next, I will step down." #TX30
— Patrick Svitek (@PatrickSvitek) November 20, 2021
Johnson emphasizes she will be endorsing in the open-seat race. "And I will appreciate you appreciating my judgment," she says.
— Patrick Svitek (@PatrickSvitek) November 20, 2021
"My goal is to look for a female that is qualified," Johnson says. #TX30
Johnson, cont'd.: "Anybody that's already been rejected by this district, they will not be receiving my endorsement." #TX30
— Patrick Svitek (@PatrickSvitek) November 20, 2021