Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH), the chair of the New Democrat Coalition, said Wednesday she will not seek reelection in November.

“As I look to the future, I am excited by the work and opportunities that lie ahead. We all have a role to play in standing up for what we believe in, advocating for a better future, and pursuing the change that we want to see. I always said I was not going to stay in Congress forever – I will not be seeking re-election in 2024,” Kuster said in a statement posted to X.

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* Images from Rep. Annie Kuster X Post *

“I spent a lot of time with my family this winter, and we did a lot of skiing and traveling, and I’ve realized I have a life, and my husband Brad has been very patient. I want to spend time with my sons as they’re heading into their married lives – and hopefully grandchildren on the way one day. And I really want to lean in on helping my colleagues and these fantastic candidates that we’ve recruited,” she told WMUR.

WMUR reports:

Kuster said she will also continue to lead the New Democrat Coalition, a centrist, pro-business caucus that has played an increasingly pivotal role in a narrowly divided Congress.

The congresswoman has championed several issues during her time in Washington and is known for her willingness to openly share her personal experiences — disclosing her status as a survivor of sexual assault in her youth; more recently, she has been candid regarding the trauma of being trapped in the House Chamber during the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.

In Washington, Kuster has developed a reputation for working across the aisle on key issues, teaming up with her former Republican colleague, Rep. Frank Guinta, to create a bipartisan task force to address the opioid crisis.

Kuster’s retirement opens up a House seat narrowly held by Democrats.

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* Image from RRH Elections X Post *

From Axios:

Kuster first won election to Congress in 2012 and has served six terms, becoming chair of the New Democrats last January.

She has routinely faced competitive reelection battles in her narrowly-divided district, but has won by double digits the last two cycles.

Kuster’s announcement means more than a dozen House Democrats are leaving Congress this year without immediate plans to run for higher office – including veteran lawmakers and members of leadership.

Roughly a dozen House Republicans, including many powerful committee chairs, are also planning to retire.

Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisc.), chair of the China Select Committee, announced plans to resign next month. He’s the latest in a series of retiring Republicans who decided to cut their terms short.

Many other lawmakers in both parties are leaving their seats to run for Senate or other offices.

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