Longtime Democrat Won’t Seek Re-Election

California Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin told reporters, “I am the most obvious person to run for that seat” as she walked off the Assembly floor after Gov. Gavin Newsom’s State of the State speech, saying she was exploring a bid for Brownley’s now-open seat.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries released a statement after Brownley announced she would not seek another term.

“Congresswoman Julia Brownley is a principled public servant and an incredible advocate for the communities that she so ably represents in Ventura and Los Angeles counties,” Jeffries said.

“Brownley’s career has been defined by a commitment to making life better for others,” Jeffries added.

“She has been an incredible advocate for our veterans, service members and military families, particularly our women veterans. She led passage of the Female Veterans Suicide Prevention Act and the Deborah Sampson Act, critical pieces of legislation supporting the women who have bravely served our nation in uniform,” Jeffries continued.

“Rep. Brownley will be missed by the House Democratic Caucus and we wish her and her family the very best in this new chapter,” Jeffries concluded.