WASHINGTON — Democratic Rep. Kathleen Rice, a former prosecutor who bucked her colleagues’ choice of Nancy Pelosi as leader, announced Tuesday she would not seek a fifth term. She’s the third lawmaker from New York’s Long Island, and the 30th House Democrat nationally, to not seek reelection this year.
“Though I will not be running for re-election to Congress this year, I will remain focused on protecting our democracy and serving my constituents throughout the rest of my term,” Rice, 57, said in a statement shared on Twitter. “As I turn to the next chapter of my own personal and professional story, I do so with profound thanks to the community leaders, colleagues and staff who have lived our shared commitment to service with courage and humility.”
As with other announcements by House Democrats that they would not run again, the National Republican Congressional Committee cast Rice’s decision as a sign incumbents foresee the GOP will net the five seats needed to take House control in November.
