Representative Peter A. DeFazio (D-Ore.) announced on Tuesday that he will not seek reelection after four decades in the House of Representatives.
“I’ve never been more grateful for the privilege of serving in the Congress of the United States of America,” Mr. DeFazio said in a statement released through the state Democratic Party, which named his successor: Greg Walden.
Mr. DeFazio, who has served in Congress since 1982, said he first became interested in serving in the House because of his progressive father, who had to be mowed by a man because he was poor, according to The Oregonian.
“That was always my thought when I became aware of the Electoral College,” Mr. DeFazio said. “That it could be manipulated. It could be gerrymandered.”
He noted that the district Mr. Walden is resigning from, as well as the state legislature, have remained largely Republican throughout his career.
“But I worked hard every day, because I still felt strongly that I was the best man to represent this community,” Mr. DeFazio said.
Walden, who is the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, praised Mr. DeFazio for his commitment to his community and his country. “I know he’ll continue to do great work and represent our district with distinction for many years to come,” Walden said in a statement.
Mr. DeFazio said he will serve out the remainder of his term, which ends in January.