Democratic Representative Tony Cardenas (D-CA) has surprised both colleagues and constituents by announcing that he will not seek re-election for another term in 2024. While stepping back from electoral politics, Cardenas suggested that he may continue to engage in public service.
His decision to retire marks him as the 20th House Democrat and the 30th member of Congress overall to make such an announcement, with 10 House lawmakers choosing this path in the current month alone. Many attribute these retirements to the perceived dysfunction and intense partisanship within the legislative body.
The Los Angeles Times reported on Monday that Rep. Cardenas has decided not to pursue re-election for another term next year. However, the report emphasized that despite his departure, the Democratic stronghold of California’s 29th District, encompassing a significant portion of the San Fernando Valley, will likely maintain its Democratic representation. “It will be the first time in 28 years that I’m not on the ballot,” stated the 60-year-old politician, who initially entered California’s Assembly in 1996.
“The truth of the matter is I thought I could do this just for a few years.”
“I’m just at the age where I have enough energy and experience to maybe do something [different] and have another chapter of a career where I don’t have to go to Washington, D.C., 32 weeks out of the year,” Cardenas added.
The Times highlighted that following three terms in the state Assembly, Cardenas proceeded to serve three terms on the Los Angeles City Council. Subsequently, he successfully ran for and secured a congressional seat in the 2012 election.
In a public statement shared on social media, Rep. Cardenas formally declared his choice not to pursue re-election in 2024, opting to retire from Congress at the end of the current term.
“It’s been an honor to humbly serve my community — the incredible people of the Northeast San Fernando Valley — during my 28 years of public service,” Cardenas said.
“I am grateful for the community’s trust and support to represent them in the California State Legislature, on the Los Angeles City Council, and the last 11 years as the Congressman of the 29th District.”
— Rep. Tony Cárdenas (@RepCardenas) November 21, 2023
He proceeded to acknowledge his Mexican heritage and emphasized the importance of public service instilled in him by his parents. The congressman also conveyed his optimism about the emergence of the “next generation of leaders.”
“I am confident that they will break through the extreme partisanship that has impeded progress and get back to delivering for hardworking Americans,” Cardenas added.
“The future for the Northeast San Fernando Valley, our state, and our country will be in good hands.”
Just two days before Rep. Cardenas announced his retirement, The Washington Post reported on the surge of retirement announcements from various members, both seasoned and newer, and anticipated more such announcements in the coming weeks and months.
While some of these announcements were surprising, The Post emphasized that the number of impending retirements was not notably unusual compared to other years. However, there was concern over the “quality” of experience that some of the departing members brought to Congress—some leaving due to age, others pursuing different offices, and some exiting politics altogether.
As highlighted in other media reports, many retiring members cited the dysfunction within Congress, exemplified by the prolonged speaker battles this year. They also pointed to the highly partisan atmosphere and the ongoing “constant brinksmanship” related to government funding and other legislative battles, including congressional investigations.
