Oregon’s Democratic U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer announced Monday that he won’t be running for reelection next year.

“I’m not certain that two more years in Congress in this climate is the best way to deal with things I care about,” Blumenauer told the Willamette Week on Monday.

All in all, four Democrats and two Republicans have already decided against running for re-election to the House. Blumenauer has become the second House Democrat to announce retirement this week, after a Thursday announcement by Maryland Rep. John Sarbanes.

In a news release from his office, Blumenauer said it was a difficult decision not to seek reelection but that he was proud of Congress’ accomplishments during his tenure.

“From my first minutes on Capitol Hill I have worked to promote a more civil and functioning Congress,” he said in the release. “I firmly believe that when we focus on things that bring people together rather than divide them, that is when we make real progress.”

The congressman told the local paper that he’ll miss his “very good” constituents and his “certified smart” staffers. “But simply said, it is time to continue my life’s mission without the burden of day-to-day politics,” he added in the release.

Blumenauer has received national attention for “his bowties, his Trek bicycle and a pragmatic brand of progressivism.”

“Earl and his bicycle pins will be greatly missed after the conclusion of this term and I wish him and his family the best as he begins this next chapter,” House Democrat Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said in a press release Monday.

Blumenauer, 75, began his political career in the late 1960s. Around that time, he organized an effort to lower Oregon’s voting age from 21 to 19. Although Blumenauer failed, the U.S. Congress acted on this issue in the 1970s.

In 1972, Blumenauer won his first election, and he began representing Portland in the state House. He later served as a county commissioner, a city councilmember, and — since 1996 — a U.S. representative.

Blumenauer served on the House’s powerful Ways and Means Committee and was a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Blumenauer represents a Portland-based district rated D+22. He’s likely to be succeeded by a Democrat, despite Portland’s issues with public image. However, his decision not to run in 2024 will likely open up the Democratic primary for his seat next year.

The outgoing congressman told Willamette Week that he wouldn’t endorse a replacement and that he expects a crowded, messy primary.

The local paper reported —

Candidates either being recruited or actively seeking support include former Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury, Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal, state Rep. Travis Nelson (D-Portland), and Gresham City Councilor Eddy Morales.

 

Flashback: Top Dem congressman resigns unexpectedly Thursday

 

The Horn editorial team and the Associated Press contribtued to this article.