Democratic Rep. Anna Eshoo to retire at end of term

Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) said Tuesday she will not seek re-election in 2024, joining more than a half-dozen Democrats who have announced their retirement.

“I choose this beautiful time of Thanksgiving to announce that I will not seek re-election and I do so with a heart filled with endless gratitude to you, my wonderful constituents,” Eshoo, 80, said in a message . video published on social networks.

Eshoo was first elected to the House in 1992. She was the first woman and first Democrat to represent her district, which covers Silicon Valley and parts of Santa Clara, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties in California .

“For three decades, you have placed your trust in me, and I have given every fiber of my being to live up to that sacred trust in every way possible,” Eshoo said.

The California congresswoman was chairwoman of the San Mateo Democratic Party and a member of the Democratic National Committee. She previously served as chief of staff to Leo McCarthy (D), Speaker pro tempore of the California State Assembly, and was elected to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors.

“I am very proud of all the bipartisan work I have been able to do on your behalf in Congress,” she said.

“As I approach my final year in Congress, I will continue my work with vigor and unwavering commitment to you. »

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In the video, Eshoo said 66 of his bills were signed into law by five different presidents and touted advances in women’s health, the creation of two federal agencies devoted to biology, technological improvements and efforts to fight against climate change.

The California Democrat joins a growing number of lawmakers from both parties who have announced they will not seek reelection. That includes more than a half-dozen Democrats who have announced they are retiring, while nearly a dozen others are leaving to seek other positions.

“I want you to know that you have made me a better person. You have deepened my love of democracy. You have demonstrated time and time again the goodness and decency of the American people, reinforcing my belief that we are all children of God,” Eshoo said in his video. “So on this Thanksgiving Day, I will bow my head and thank you for choosing me for the great privilege of representing you.”

Updated: 1:15 p.m.