POLITICS
Rep. Patrick McHenry Says He Won’t Seek Re-election in 2024
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Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) on Tuesday announced he will not be seeking re-election in 2024, just weeks after gaining national prominence during a three week run as interim House Speaker.
I will be retiring from Congress at the end of my current term. This is not a decision I come to lightly, but I believe there is a season for everything and — for me — this season has come to an end, McHenry said in a statement.
McHenry, 48, was first elected to Congress in 2004. Earlier this year, he rose to chair the influential House Financial Services Committee, and was named House Speaker pro tempore in October after Republicans ousted Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
Past, present, and future, the House of Representatives is the center of our American republic. Through good and bad, during the highest of days and the lowest, and from proud to infamous times, the House is the venue for our nations disagreements bound up in our hopes for a better tomorrow. It is a truly special place and — as an American — my service here is undoubtedly my proudest. Since being sworn in January 3rd, 2005, I have worked every day to uphold the Constitution and the system of government our founders so wisely created, McHenry said.
Throughout my years in the House, Ive mentored and been mentored. Ive learned from many, been taught lessons by others. I am proud to have been a legislator for nearly twenty years. The craft of legislating is an art and Im thankful for all the members and staff who helped me hone that craft, he said.
Republicans currently hold a razor-thin majority in the House, which was a source for much of the instability around naming a Speaker both the moderate and more conservative wings of the party could agree on.
“There has been a great deal of handwringing and ink spilled about the future of this institution because some — like me — have decided to leave. Those concerns are exaggerated, McHenry said. Ive seen a lot of change over twenty years. I truly feel this institution is on the verge of the next great turn. Whether it’s 1974, 1994, or 2010, weve seen the House evolve over time. Evolutions are often lumpy and disjointed, but at each stage, new leaders emerge. There are many smart and capable members who remain, and others are on their way. Im confident the House is in good hands.
TMX contributed to this article.
