It seems like rumors pop up every two years that Rep. Jim Moran might retire from his safe seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, and usually I’ve responded that this guy’s never going anywhere, that he loves the House and why would he leave? Well, guess what: I was wrong: “Senior appropriator and progressive stalwart James P. Moran will step down at the end of this year, making him the third House Democrat in just three days to announce his retirement.”
Washington D.C. – Representative Jim Moran, Northern Virginia Democrat, Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Interior Subcommittee and senior member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that he will not seek re-election.
“After 35 years as a public servant, as Mayor of Alexandria, and for the past 23 as a member of the House of Representatives, it’s time to close this chapter of my life and move on to the next challenge. It’s been an honor to represent Northern Virginia. I couldn’t be more fortunate to have spent my career working with such wonderful people trying to make this one of the best places in the world to live, work and raise a family.
“My chosen role in the U.S. Congress has been as an appropriator. I first served as staff to the Senate Appropriations Committee under Chairman Warren Magnuson in my 20s. I’ve seen the appropriations process at its height, and more recently its nadir. When the appropriations process is working, the government functions on behalf of the people, the economy is stronger, and the country overall becomes more inclusive, egalitarian and productive.
“With the Murray-Ryan agreement, and the work Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Lowey, and their outstanding Appropriations’ staff exerted to reach the omnibus budget deal we will vote on this week, we’ve achieved a bipartisan agreement that deserves support. It represents a budgetary cease-fire and I hope a historic turning point in getting this necessary funding process back on track.
“To my family, friends, staff and supporters, thank you for all you have meant me over the past four decades in political office. What has kept me motivated all these years is serving you and our community. I prepare to leave Congress feeling very fortunate, grateful for what we’ve accomplished, and optimistic for the future of Northern Virginia, the Washington Metropolitan Region, and our nation.”
All I can say is, get ready for a potentially long list of candidates throwing their hats in the ring in Virginia’s 8th CD. Should be fascinating…
P.S. H/t to Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict), who tweeted last night: “Rumor mill quite loud about future of #VA08 tonight. We shall see.”
UPDATE 1:48 pm: @benpershing tweets, “Update on #VA08 cands: Donley, Ebbin, Euille, Herring, Lopez, McKay confirm they are considering. Favola says she isn’t.” Patrick Hope is also highly likely to be running.
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