Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) announced Thursday he will not run for reelection in 2024, opening a competitive seat in the heart of Michigan.
Kildee, 65, said a cancer diagnosis this year sparked a need to reassess his career plans.
“For most of this year, I saw myself continuing to serve and was actively planning another campaign. But there are times in all our lives that make you reassess your own future and path,” he said in a statement. “For me, being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year was one of those moments. Thankfully, earlier this year I had successful surgery and I’m cancer-free.”
“But after spending time with my wife, children and grandchildren and contemplating our future, the time has come for me to step back from public office,” he continued. “Running for office, ultimately, is a personal decision first. And this was not an easy decision to make. But I know it’s the right one for me and for my family.”
His 8th District seat was considered “Lean Democratic,” according to the Cook Political Report, before the announcement. Kildee’s retirement likely moves the seat to a toss-up for 2024.
Entering politics at just 18 years old when he was elected to the Flint County Board of Education, Kildee was elected to Congress in 2012. He is the co-chair of the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee.
In Congress, Kildee said his work advocating for residents of Flint after the 2014 water crisis was one of his most satisfying accomplishments in Washington, as well as his work to free political prisoners in Iran.
Kildee will continue to impact Michigan politics outside of Congress, he said.
“While I’m stepping back from elected office at the end of my term, I’m most definitely not retiring,” he said. “I’m looking forward to a new chapter continuing to serve Flint and mid-Michigan, just outside of elected office.”
Rep. Richard Neal (D-Mass.), ranking member of the House Ways and Means Committee, of which Kildee is a member, celebrated his colleague’s career.
“Congressman Dan Kildee has been a legislator’s legislator, and his retirement is a loss for the Ways and Means Committee and the people of Michigan’s Eighth District,” Neal said in a statement. “Always ready for the camera and never forgetting where he came from — did you know he’s from Flint? … He surely left his mark on our great Committee and the Congress.”
“I will miss my colleague and friend, but wish him, Jennifer, and their family all the best in what lies ahead,” he added.