Louisiana congressman will not seek reelection this year

Louisiana GOP Rep. Garret Graves announced Friday that he will not seek another term in Congress, after his right-leaning district was redrawn into a solid blue seat.

Graves, who was a long-time ally of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, declared his departure after the United States Supreme Court ruled that the state must use a map that has two predominantly black districts, which includes part of Graves's old district. Graves had been undecided on what House seat he would try to win instead, but ultimately decided Friday that taking a district from a different lawmaker would be unfair.

“It is evident that a run in any temporary district will cause actual permanent damage to Louisiana’s great representation in Congress,” Graves said in a statement, per the Washington Examiner. “Campaigning in any of these districts now is not fair to any of the Louisianians who will inevitably be tossed into yet another district next year.”

The redistricting placed the majority of his district in GOP Rep. Julia Letlow’s fifth congressional district, which would mean he'd have to challenge her in the primary. Graves also admitted that his departure will hurt Louisiana's chances of having someone chair the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for the first time.

“Admittedly, it is a serious disappointment to miss the historic opportunity to champion Louisiana’s priorities in this committee,” he stated.

“Representing South Louisiana and serving in the United States Congress has been an incredible honor," Graves said, according to The Hill. "From the beginning and ever since, we have constantly emphasized that our decisions and actions are grounded in what’s best for Louisianians first and foremost. Our accomplishments confirm the steadfast commitment to this objective.”

Graves is now one of more than 40 lawmakers, including 25 Republicans, who have opted out of returning to Capitol Hill next year. The exits come after a tumultuous term, which have resulted in the first removal of a house speaker in American history, and large spending deals that aid foreign wars. Graves served in Congress for five terms.

The conservative lawmaker has not disclosed what he will do next.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.