A longtime New Hampshire Democrat announced a surprising decision not to run for re-election to the House of Representatives where Republicans currently hold a 218-213 majority.
Six-term Rep. Annie Kuster made her surprise announcement in a statement released on Wednesday.
“I always said I was not going to stay in Congress forever — I will not be seeking re-election in 2024,” she said, adding that her time in Congress “has been many things — rewarding, frustrating, inspiring, and challenging. But, more than anything, it has been an honor.”
My full statement to the people of New Hampshire’s Second Congressional District ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/HLQKyrs70J — Ann McLane Kuster (@RepAnnieKuster) March 27, 2024
“I come from a very bipartisan background,” the 67-year-old lawmaker said. “My family were liberal Republicans back in the day, that doesn’t exist anymore. … And so I knew about bringing people together, working across the aisle, and I’m super proud of that work.”
“I spent a lot of time with my family this winter, and we did a lot of skiing and traveling, and I’ve realized I have a life, and my husband Brad has been very patient,” Kuster told WMUR after her shock announcement.
“I want to spend time with my sons as they’re heading into their married lives – and hopefully grandchildren on the way one day. And I really want to lean in on helping my colleagues and these fantastic candidates that we’ve recruited,” she added.
Known for working across the aisle in Congress. Kuster added that the House “is completely dysfunctional, and my highest and best use is to be out on the battlefield winning back the House.”
She spoke of what was accomplished in her six terms in office.
“We accomplished a lot. We laid out a path for a bipartisan approach. I’m very excited to turn that over to my colleagues, the younger generation, help them realize how they can be effective,” Kuster told Fox News Digital. “They don’t have to wait 20 years for seniority. They can really make a difference in six terms.”
“I want to make sure that we have a candidate that can win my seat and I feel confident about that. I’ll let them make their own announcement, but I feel very, very good about us keeping the seat,” Kuster, who leads the New Democrat Coalition in the House, told Fox News.
Big surprise out of New Hampshire this morning — Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster won’t seek reelection, opening up NH-02 https://t.co/iATfzCa6im — Lisa Kashinsky (@lisakashinsky) March 27, 2024
Kuster said, “As I looked at the next eight months and started to think about my own re-election, I really want to put my energy into solidifying and making sure we win back the House.”
She also noted that “the other piece of it, I’ve been on the phone this morning with the White House and the presidential campaign and hitting the trail for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, making sure we win back the White House.”
Kuster was praised as a “friend of mine” by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., who said she “has been a tremendous source of strength to me and countless others in the House Democratic Caucus family.”
“She will be sorely missed in the next Congress. I wish her and her family the best in this new chapter,” he added.