Twenty-Sixth House Dem Makes Decision Not to Run For Re-Election in 2022

U.S. House Rep Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) becomes the twenty-sixth House Dem to decide not to run for re-election in 2022 ahead of an impending red wave.

Perlmutter released a statement on the move and in a tweet, he declared, “After much thought and consideration, I have decided not to run for reelection.”

“It’s been a privilege and honor of a lifetime to serve Colorado, the state I love and have always called home,” Perlmutter stated.

In the statement, Perlmutter asserted that he was ready to “pass the torch to the next generation of leaders” and he acknowledged that the margin has gotten tighter.

Redistricting expert Dave Wasserman, however, said of the news, “I’m pretty skeptical #C07, a Biden +14 seat, will be competitive next fall.”

I'm pretty skeptical #C07, a Biden +14 seat, will be competitive next fall. But Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D) becomes the 26th House Dem not seeking reelection. https://t.co/EgXZNCYGEH

— Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) January 10, 2022

Perlmutter won in 2020 with nearly 60% of the vote, so it is clear that the district will be more competitive.

Two Republicans, Erik Aadland and Laurel Imer, had previously announced their candidacies for the 7th Congressional District.

Perlmutter is in his 8th term and has been the representative for CD7 since 2006 after former two-term Representative Bob Beauprez retired to run for governor in 2006.