SPOKANE, Wash. – U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a leading House Republican and the most senior woman in her party’s leadership, announced Friday she would not run for re-election in 2022.
Rep. McMorris Rodgers, who represents the eastern third of Washington, said she wants to spend more time with her family and listed a series of accomplishments during her 17 years in Congress. She never mentioned her future political plans and did not take questions.
The announcement means her district, which includes Spokane and some rural areas, will have an open U.S. House seat for the first time in nearly two decades.
In her statement, McMorris Rodgers wrote, “I will work to ensure a smooth transition as we continue our important work on behalf of eastern Washington and the country.” She said being the top Republican on the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee “has always been about providing opportunities and building a brighter future for my children and all children throughout Eastern Washington.”
McMorris Rodgers, 51, is the eighth House Republican to announce their retirement over the past two months. Her decision to leave the House will likely spark a competitive race to succeed her in a district that voted for former President Donald Trump by 13 percentage points in 2020.
The congresswoman was first elected in 2004 and had easily won re-election until President Joe Biden narrowly carried her district in 2020 amid high statewide turnout.