Legendary Republican Announces Retirement

Via American Action News:

Long Island Congressman Peter King is the latest elected official to join the slew of GOP retirements in Congress.

The 14-term lawmaker represents a bellwether district in suburban New York City. King previously chaired the Homeland Security Committee, where he continues to serve. He also serves on the Financial Services Committee. (Fox News)
 

King, in a statement Monday, said his “prime reason” for retiring “was that after 28 years of spending four days a week in Washington, D.C., it is time to end the weekly commute and be home in Seaford.”

“This was not an easy decision. But there is a season for everything and Rosemary and I decided that, especially since we are both in good health, it is time to have the flexibility to spend more time with our children and grandchildren,” he said. “My daughter’s recent move to North Carolina certainly accelerated my thinking.”

…

“Politically I will miss the energy and dynamism of a reelection campaign especially since my polling numbers are as strong as they have ever been and I have more than $1 million in campaign funds,” King wrote in his statement. He said he will continue to be “active politically.”

He added, “In the coming weeks and during the next year I intend to vote against President Trump’s impeachment and will support the president’s bid for reelection.”

King, 75, is one of 17 Republicans in the House and four in the Senate not running for reelection.

Prognosticators like Charlie Cook considered King’s seat to be safe at this time. It’s unclear how competitive it may become with his retirement.