Dem Rep. Cárdenas will not seek reelection in 2024

The lawmaker has held the seat since first winning election in 2013 to represent the 29th District, which includes much of the San Fernando Valley.

By Ben Whedon

Published: November 20, 2023 3:36pm

Updated: November 20, 2023 5:55pm

California Democratic Rep. Tony Cárdenas will not seek reelection in 2024, marking the latest in a string of House retirements this cycle.

The lawmaker has held the seat since first winning election in 2012 to represent the 29th District, which includes much of the San Fernando Valley.

"It will be the first time in 28 years that I'm not on the ballot," he told the Los Angeles Times. "The truth of the matter is I thought I could do this just for a few years... I'm just at the age where I have enough energy and experience to maybe do something [different] and have another chapter of a career where I don't have to go to Washington, D.C., 32 weeks out of the year."

The seat is considered safely Democratic, but the lawmaker's retirement could potentially lead to a divisive and crowded primary contest. Cárdenas, for his part, has backed Democratic state Rep. Luz Rivas to replace him.

The longtime representative's decision comes on the heels of numerous other lawmakers who have announced their exit from Congress, including a slew of Republicans. In recent weeks, GOP Reps. Kay Granger, Texas; Michael Burgess, Texas; and Brad Wenstrup, Ohio; have all opted against reelection bids.

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