Longtime Rep. Anna Eshoo of California announced in a video Tuesday that she would not be running for re-election in 2024. Eshoo has been in the House since 1993, representing three different districts in California and touting her bipartisan work in Congress with 66 of her bills signed by five presidents. Regardless of her tenure in Congress, Eshoo’s retirement is a reflection of the trend of political departures that have been occurring in both chambers on Capitol Hill after a year of turmoil.
“I’m choosing this beautiful season of thanksgiving to announce that I will not seek re-election, and I do so with a heart filled with unending gratitude to you, my magnificent constituents,” Eshoo said in her announcement video.
Eshoo has had a long political career before her time in the House, having served as chief of staff to California’s state House speaker pro tempore, on the board of supervisors for San Mateo County and as a Democratic National Committeewoman from the Golden State.
Critics of the Democrat congresswoman insist that Eshoo’s retirement is a reflection of the difficulties faced by the Democratic party throughout the year. As one political commentator put it, “It may have taken Anna Eshoo thirty years to acknowledge the turmoil and unrest her party has been placed under, but it is certainly no surprise that many Democrats are throwing in the towel and retiring from Congress ahead of the 2024 election.”
“Over all the years, my legislation and my votes have reflected the values of my constituents — strengthen our democracy, protect our national security, perfect our union by making it fairer for all and build an economy that lifts up everyone,” Eshoo said in her statement.
fairer for who? California is a nightmare state for the working-class and a blackhole for taxpayers.
— Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (@RepAnnaEshoo) November 21, 2023
Brace for an eye-roll: Eshoo vows to have “unswerving commitment” until the end of her term in office. It is unclear who will take her place. I think this a great thing on so many different levels. Most importantly, a lot had changed in the three decades Eshoo served. Her stepping down allows voters the opportunity to get someone new in who will likely be better tuned into the needs of voters.