Earl Blumenauer, a Democrat with nearly 30 years of experience representing Oregon in the House, announced on Monday that he will not seek re-election.
In a press release, he stated, “From my first moments on Capitol Hill, I have dedicated myself to fostering a more civil and functional Congress. I firmly believe that focusing on unifying rather than dividing issues is the path to true progress.”
Blumenauer was elected to his current position in 1996, representing Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District, which now covers a region from the center of Portland eastward. This district strongly leans Democratic, rated as D +22 by the Cook Political Report, making it highly likely to remain in Democratic hands in the upcoming election.