Five Towns Rice is 30th Dem to quit Congress

Kathleen Rice, who has been representing the Five Towns and other south shore communities in Congress since 2015, announced on Tuesday — her 57th birthday — that she will not seek re-election. She’s the 30th Democrat to announce a departure from the House in advance of the 2022 midterms. 

Rice made the announcement on Twitter.

“I entered public service 30 years ago and never left. It has been the honor of my life to serve as a prosecutor, district attorney and US Representative in my beloved home state of New York,” she wrote. “I have always believed that holding political office is neither destiny nor a right. As elected officials, we must give all we have and then know when it is time to allow others to serve.”

“Though I will not be running for re-election to Congress this year, I will remain focused on protecting our democracy and serving my constituents throughout the rest of my terms,” Rice continued.

“As I turn to the next chapter in my own personal and professional story, I do so with profound thanks to the community leaders, colleagues and staff who have lived our shared commitment to service with courage and humility.”

Rice won her first congressional race, in 2014, against Republican Bruce Blakeman, now Nassau County executive. Her district is not changing significantly under redistricting.

“It’ll be a safe Democratic seat,” said Nassau County Democratic Chair Jay Jacobs. “We’ll figure out the best person to represent that disgtrict and make that recommendation … in a matter of days.”