Republican Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), who chairs the influential House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced on Feb. 8 that she won’t seek reelection this year.
“They inspire me every day,” she continued. “They are part of the strength and soul of America—the greatest experiment in self-governance the world has ever known.
“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.”
Ms. McMorris Rodgers’s statement was largely a shoutout to her family.
“I would testify today that the greatest blessing in my life has been marrying Brian and becoming a wife and Mom—my most cherished titles.
“Brian is my wise and faithful counselor, the one to wipe the tears from my eyes and send me back into the arena,” she said.
“Together, we have been blessed with three beautiful, beloved children.”
One of her children, Cole McMorris Rodgers, has Down syndrome. One of Ms. Morris McRodgers’s accomplishments was as an early supporter of legislation that created tax-exempt savings accounts to help people deal with expenses related to their disabilities.
Cole McMorris Rodgers was on the House floor with his mother when the bipartisan legislation was approved in 2014; it was signed into law by President Barack Obama.
In her statement, Ms. McMorris Rodgers expressed gratitude for her family sacrificing their time to help her initial congressional campaign, which she won in 2004.
“My family has been in my corner from the start,” she said.
“My brother quit his job to run my first campaign. My Dad covered every road in Eastern Washington with campaign signs. My Mom has been my greatest encourager and fiercest defender.
“I couldn’t have served so well without their love, support, and patience.”
Ms. McMorris Rodgers went on to reflect on her time as chairwoman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where she has “seen the best of Eastern Washington and the United States of America.”
She concluded her statement on a spiritual note.
“Every day, my No. 1 priority is to pray,” she said.
“I pray that God’s purpose over my life will be more deeply rooted in my heart and in gratitude for the remarkable colleagues and people he has brought into my life,” she continued.
“No matter the division, we must unite in prayer.
“And as we do, we will bring hope and healing to broken lives, broken families, and broken systems failing broken people. Together, may we always be guided by God’s abundant grace and wisdom to keep the promise of America alive.”
Former President Donald Trump reportedly considered Ms. McMorris Rodgers in 2016 for secretary of the interior. That position ultimately went to Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.). Ms. McMorris Rodgers served on President Trump’s transition team.
Ms. McMorris Rodgers served in numerous congressional leadership roles, including vice chair of the House GOP conference and chairwoman of the conference.
Before entering Congress in 2005, she served for more than a decade in the Washington House of Representatives, where she was minority leader for just under a year.
Including Ms. McMorris Rodgers, the number of House members who have announced their retirements is 42. Seven have already occurred and three of the seats have been filled, while the remainder will be filled by special elections.
