House Democrat won’t seek reelection in 2024

Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.) announced Thursday that he would not seek reelection after serving in the House for more than a decade.

In a lengthy and personal statement, Kilmer described his time in the House as “one of the great honors of my life” but said “it is time for the next chapter.”

“As nourishing as this job has been, it has come with profound costs to my family,” he said. “Every theatrical performance and musical recital I missed. Every family dinner that I wasn’t there for. The distance I felt from my family for months after the events of January 6th.”

“I am conscious that I didn’t always deliver in the way I wanted; and I hope they will forgive me for that. And I hope they know that I was really trying my best to make the world better for them,” he added.

Kilmer was elected in 2012 and represents Washington’s 6th Congressional District, a solidly Democratic seat.

In his time in office, Kilmer worked on the Modernization Committee and served as vice chair of the New Democrat Coalition.

Kilmer joins a handful of other House Democrats who have announced they will not seek reelection, including Reps. Earl Blumenauer (Ore.), Grace Napolitano (Calif.), John Sarbanes (Md.) and Jennifer Wexton (Va.).