(Washington) New York State Rep. John Katko, a moderate Republican whose congressional career appeared to be on the rise, announced his retirement on Friday. He is the third to indicate he will not seek re-election among 10 Republican Party lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump last January.
Posted at 5:00 p.m.
The 59-year-old New Yorker was on track to become chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee if Republicans regain control of the chamber in midterm elections next November.
His decision comes as Donald Trump has remained a dominant force in the Republican Party, retaining the loyalty of many elected officials and threatening to use the primaries to impeach those who challenge him.
Completing his fourth term, Mr Katko released a statement saying it was time to “enjoy my family and my life in a more complete and present way”. He added that his parents and his wife’s parents had all passed away within the past three years, adding, “To say that these heartbreaking moments provided me with a life-changing perspective is an understatement. »
Although his remarks made no reference to Mr. Trump, he also said: “My conscience, my principles and my commitment to doing what is right have guided every decision I have made as a member of Congress, and they guide my decision today. »
Great news, another bites the dust. Katko from upstate New York is gone!
Excerpt from the press release issued by Donald Trump
In June, in a handwritten note, the former president had indicated that Mr. Katko would never win again, inviting the chairman of the party in Onondaga County, New York, to find an excellent candidate.
Representatives from Ohio, Anthony Gonzalez, and Illinois, Adam Kinzinger, who backed Trump’s impeachment in 2021, also decided not to seek re-election.