Democratic Rep. Albio Sires won’t run for reelection in New Jersey: report

Rep. Albio Sires (D-N.J.) is reportedly joining a host of House Democrats who have decided not to run for reelection next year.

The New Jersey Globe reported late Sunday that Sires, who has represented New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District since 2006, will leave the House after next year’s election.

Robert J. Menendez, the son of New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez (D), is reportedly leading the pack of contenders to succeed Sires. Sires replaced the elder Menendez in the House after the latter was appointed to serve in the U.S. Senate.

A majority of the Hudson County Democratic establishment has reportedly gotten on board with the younger Menendez, 36, becoming the Democratic nominee in a heavily blue district.

Sires is expected to formally announce his plans for retirement before the year ends, according to the New Jersey Globe.

If he does ultimately decide to not seek reelection, he would become the 21st House Democrat to sit out of next year’s midterm elections, which are already shaping up to be competitive. Democrats are looking to retain and grow their slim majority in the House, while Republicans are working to flip at least five seats red to gain control of the lower chamber.

Sires, an immigrant from Cuba, served in the New Jersey General Assembly and spent time as the mayor of West New York before traveling to Washington for a seat in the House.

Robert J. Menendez is an attorney and the commissioner of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Globe noted.

The Hill has reached out to Albio’s office for more information.