(The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., announced Thursday that she will not seek re-election to Congress.
Rodgers, 54, of Spokane, is a former state lawmaker who has represented eastern Washington’s 5th Congressional District since 2004. Her current two-year term will end on Dec. 31.
“It’s been the honor and privilege of my life to represent the people of Eastern Washington in Congress. They inspire me every day. They are part of the strength and soul of America — the greatest experiment in self-governance the world has ever known,” Rodgers said in a statement Thursday. “After much prayer and reflection, I’ve decided the time has come to serve them in new ways. I will not be running for re-election to the People’s House.”
Rodgers currently serves as chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and previously was chair of the House Republican Conference from 2012 to 2018.
“Especially as Chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I’ve seen the best of Eastern Washington and the United States of America,” Rodgers stated. “We will spend this year honoring the Committee’s rich history — plowing the hard ground necessary to legislate on solutions to make people’s lives better and ensure America wins the future.