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Alana Sage |
NPR
Friday, January 14, 2022
Representative John Katko, RN.Y., walks down the steps of the United States Capitol on September 23, 2021. Katko has announced his retirement from Congress.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Representative John Katko announced Friday that he will not seek a fifth term to represent New York’s 24th congressional district.
The Republican – one of 10 in the House to vote for former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment – said he was retiring to spend more time with his family.
“For the past 32 years, I have dedicated my life to protecting and serving our community and our country. First as a federal prosecutor, and now as a member of Congress, my mission has been to unite people in order to solve serious problems,” Katko said in a statement posted to his campaign Facebook page.
“Representing Central New York in Congress – solving real problems and tirelessly championing bipartisanship – has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime. It is with deep gratitude to my colleagues, my staff, my supporters , my team and the people of the 24th New York Congress District that I am thrilled to begin this next and greatest chapter of my life alongside Robin and our family.”
Katko is the 14th Republican in Congress — and the third in 10 to vote to impeach Trump — to announce a departure from Congress. Representatives. Adam Kinzinger from Illinois and Antoine González from Ohio are also retiring.
Trump, a fellow New York native, applauded Katko’s retirement in a statement.
“Good news, another bites the dust. Katko from upstate New York is gone!”
The redistricting also weighed on Katko’s seat, as New York’s Democratic-led legislature recently rejected maps proposed by a bipartisan commission and could take broader control of the district’s drawing.
Twenty-six House Democrats have announced their departure from Congress so far, in what is expected to be a tough election year for the party.
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