Californian Members of Congress Retiring
As the deadline to file for reelection in California approaches, seven members of Congress from the state have chosen to leave their positions. Four of these members are retiring outright rather than seeking another office. The former speaker, Kevin McCarthy, announced on Wednesday that he would quit the House by the end of December. The chaos, dysfunction, and near misses on self-inflicted national economic catastrophes in the Republican-controlled House over the past year have led to a surge in retirements from both parties.
Record Number of Retirements
Since November alone, twelve members have announced their retirements, the most in any month for over a decade. The day-to-day burdens of being a member of Congress in California are particularly heavy. Californians face long commutes, and being in the minority adds to the challenges, especially during the era of hyperpartisanship. Additionally, California’s delegation has gone from having two of its members at the helm of both parties in the House to having none in just two years.
Difficulties of the Job
Members of Congress from California express their discontent with the current state of affairs. Representative Ted Lieu mentioned the long flights and time change as factors that make the job challenging. He also criticized the actions of the Republican majority, saying that Congress feels more “stupid” now than ever before. Representative Tom Cole echoed this sentiment, stating that McCarthy’s removal from office was a “ridiculous” and damaging move.
Chaos and Dysfunction
The chaos and dysfunction within Congress have taken a toll on members of both parties. McCarthy’s four-day struggle to win the speakership in January was followed by months of difficulty in passing legislation and a subsequent removal from office. McCarthy’s allies are angry about how he was treated and believe that he deserved to remain as speaker. The elevation of Rep. Mike Johnson as speaker and his decision to postpone a vote on government shutdown until late January mirror the events that led to McCarthy’s retirement.
The Toll on California Members
California members of Congress have expressed their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. Representative Ami Bera called the chaos “maddening and demoralizing” and Representative Scott Peters suggested focusing on why members are staying in Congress rather than leaving. Representative Anna Eshoo, who is retiring at the age of 80, mentioned the long flights and the demands of the job as reasons for her departure. Representative Grace F. Napolitano, who is also retiring, stated that the trouble between both parties needs to stop as it is detrimental to the country.
Impact on California Politics
Three of the seven Californian members leaving Congress are running for the Senate. However, even these members admit that the current political climate is difficult. Representative Adam B. Schiff mentioned the personal and bitter nature of politics and expressed a desire to accomplish more in the Senate. The toll of frequent travel and the challenges of Congress have also influenced the decisions of members like Representative Tony Cárdenas, who is retiring at the age of 60.
Retired Members Reflect on Their Decisions
Members who have already left Congress have found peace with their decisions. Former Representative Janice Hahn mentioned the chaos and ineffectiveness of Congress as reasons for her contentment with leaving. Former Representative Jackie Speier likened serving in Congress to being a hamster on a treadmill, with no real positive results. These retired members have found new political roles at the local level, where they feel they can have a more significant impact.