Thirty-First House Dem Declines to Run For Re-Election, Insists He’s ‘Not Running Away From Congress’

U.S. House Rep Ted Deutch (D-FL) became the thirty-first House Democrat to decline to run for re-election today.

WPLG Local 10 News reported that Deutch insisted about the decision, “I’m not running away from Congress.”

“I’m running to an opportunity to do something really significant in a different type of service, and that’s what I’m looking forward to,” Deutch declared.

Deutch announced that he will take a new job as Chief Executive Officer of the American Jewish Committee.

“It’s a bittersweet day. I’m proud of the work that I’ve done, but it’s time to take advantage of this unique opportunity. To have this chance to do this full-time on a global platform with offices around the world, that was the draw,” Deutch told WPLG.

Deutch is a seven-term Congressman whose district also covers parts of western Broward County including Parkland as well as parts of Palm Beach County, including the east coast from Fort Lauderdale up to Boca Raton.

As WPLG noted, so far, just 13 Republicans have said they’re not seeking re-election to the House, while the 31 Democratic House retirees represent the most since the 1992 elections when 41 stepped away.

The AJC said Deutch will begin his work as CEO on Oct. 1 and in a statement, Deutch said, “I look forward to continuing to fulfill my obligations in Washington until Congress recesses for the next election, and I look forward to seeing you soon, whether in South Florida or Washington.”

Dem State Rep Christine Hunschofsky told Deutch “Thank you for serving our community so well. Congratulations on your new position. We will miss having you as our Representative!”

Thank you for serving our community so well. Congratulations on your new position. We will miss having you as our Representative!

— Christine Hunschofsky (@CHunschofsky) February 28, 2022