WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer has announced that he will not run for reelection next year and plans to retire after 14 terms representing Oregon's 3rd Congressional District. He will leave office after finishing his current term, which runs through the end of 2024.
Willamette Week first reported the announcement Monday afternoon, followed by The Oregonian. He announced his decision to supporters at an event Monday afternoon, both outlets reported.
The congressman's office later confirmed that he won't seek reelection in 2024. In a statement, Blumenauer had the following to say about his career in politics:
“For fifty years, I have served in elected office at every level — as a State Legislator, Multnomah County Commissioner, Portland City Council member, and for 27 years as a member of Congress. It is a difficult decision. Particularly after the amazing success of the last several years. But simply said, it is time to continue my life’s mission without the burden of day-to-day politics.
“I have dedicated my career to creating livable communities where people are safe, healthy, and economically secure. This mission has guided my involvement in Congress on a wide range of issues. I may best be known in Portland for work on light rail, streetcars, and bicycles. But our work also included critical issues of war and peace, championing the fight to end the failed war on drugs, helping to write the Affordable Care Act, rescuing independent restaurants, food and farm policy, animal welfare, and writing the single largest investment in renewable energy in history.
“I look forward to continuing championing livable communities starting right here in Portland and being a resource and a partner for the next generation.”
On Tuesday morning, Blumenauer held a news conference.
Blumenauer was first elected to represent the 3rd District in 1996, making him the longest-serving member of Oregon's current congressional delegation — although it's a distinction he only achieved relatively recently, following the retirement of former U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio last year after 36 years in the House of Representatives.
He's become well-known over the years for his signature bowtie and his passion for public transit. The bike and pedestrian bridge that opened last year over Interstate 84 in Portland is named for him.
The 3rd District includes most of Portland and extends east to Hood River. Blumenauer won reelection to his current term by a large margin, with nearly 70% of the vote.
Follow KGW on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
Download the KGW News app: Download for iPhone here | Download for Android here
Stream newscasts for free on KGW+ on Roku and Amazon Fire: How to add app to your device here
See a typo in this article? Email web@kgw.com for corrections