Oregon House Democrat will not seek 15th term in Congress

"I think I’ve been right and I’ve not been as effective as I’d like to have been," he said.

By Ben Whedon

Published: October 30, 2023 8:47pm

Democratic Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer announced on Monday that he would retire at the end of his current term, having served in the House since early 1997.

Blumenauer confirmed his retirement plans to the Williamette Week, saying "I’m not certain that two more years in Congress in this climate is the best way to deal with things I care about."

Since having first won election to his seat in the third congressional district, Blumenauer, 75, has not faced a meaningful reelection challenge throughout his tenure. The district is generally regarded as a safe Democratic seat.

Recalling his time in Congress, the lawmaker opined to WW that, while he believed he had been on the right side of most issues, he regretted the relatively minimal amount of legal change he was able to advance.

"I think I’ve been right and I’ve not been as effective as I’d like to have been," he said. "I didn’t pick things to pass. I picked things that I thought needed to be focused on."

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.