A competitive House seat has just opened in Michigan.
On Thursday, House Ways and Means Committee member Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) announced he will not run for reelection in 2024.
Kildee, 65, said a cancer diagnosis this year sparked a need to reassess his career plans.
“For most of this year, I saw myself continuing to serve and was actively planning another campaign. But there are times in all our lives that make you reassess your own future and path,” he said in a statement. “For me, being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year was one of those moments. Thankfully, earlier this year I had successful surgery and I’m cancer-free.”
“But after spending time with my wife, children and grandchildren and contemplating our future, the time has come for me to step back from public office,” he continued. “Running for office, ultimately, is a personal decision first. And this was not an easy decision to make. But I know it’s the right one for me and for my family.”
“While I’m stepping back from elected office at the end of my term, I’m most definitely not retiring,” he said. “I’m looking forward to a new chapter continuing to serve Flint and mid-Michigan, just outside of elected office.”
Kildee’s 8th District seat was considered “Lean Democratic,” according to the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, before the announcement. However, The Hill reports that Kildee’s retirement likely moves the seat to a toss-up for 2024.
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