According to a local report, a prominent House Democrat who is currently serving her sixth term has made the decision to retire. Rep. Annie Kuster, in an interview with WMUR-TV in Manchester, New Hampshire, confirmed that she will complete her current term but will step down before the new Congress is inaugurated in January.
“The congresswoman’s announcement sends a shockwave through New Hampshire politics, creating an open race for the 2nd Congressional District seat she has held since 2013,” the outlet reported.
“NH-02 covers a wide and diverse swath of the state from Nashua to the Canadian border, and several Democrats may step forward to run,” it explained.
Based on the report, Kuster is considered a political moderate who supports business interests, which sets her apart from the majority of the Democratic Party. Currently, she holds the position of leader within the New Democrat Coalition, a congressional group.
“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,” she told WMUR. “I want to spend time with my sons as they’re heading into their married lives — and hopefully grandchildren on the way one day,” she added.
“And I really want to lean in on helping my colleagues and these fantastic candidates that we’ve recruited,” she told the outlet.
New Hampshire Democratic Rep. Annie Kuster joins growing list of lawmakers not seeking re-election in 2024 https://t.co/NmAvs3gmOY pic.twitter.com/Mij7GC38YB
— New York Post (@nypost) March 28, 2024