Longtime Democrat Won’t Seek Re-Election

“Despite the immense challenges we are currently facing, I remain deeply optimistic about the future of our country,” she said.

“The American experiment has endured not because it is perfect, but because generations of Americans continue to believe in it and work to make it more just, more equal, and more reflective of those it serves,” she said.

“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have played a part in that work, and I know we will learn from this moment in time how to shore up our democracy to make it even stronger for the generations that will follow,” Brownley wrote.

Brownley added, “I am particularly pleased that I will leave the House with Hakeem Jeffries as Speaker. I am confident that he will lead Congress with integrity, with purpose, with resolve, and with a clear vision for the future. While I will not be in Congress, I will remain in the fight, fighting for a better and brighter future.”

Brownley did not give a reason for her decision, but the Democrat said in a statement she was “confident” that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries would be an excellent speaker of the House if Democrats win back the chamber.

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.