Rep. Eshoo to Retire After 2024 Election

WASHINGTON — Rep. Anna G. Eshoo, D-Calif., who has represented a significant portion of Silicon Valley for more than three decades, announced Tuesday she will not seek reelection in 2024.

Eshoo’s announcement comes just a day after Rep. Tony Cárdenas, D-Calif., announced his plans to retire and a week after Rep. Dan Kildee, D-Mich., did the same. 

“I’m choosing this beautiful season of Thanksgiving to announce that I will not seek reelection, and I do so with a heart filled with unending gratitude to you, my magnificent constituents,” Eshoo said in a video posted to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. 

“For three decades, you’ve given me your trust. And I’ve given every fiber of my being, to live up to the sacred trust in every way possible. Whether it’s been in community centers, city halls, classrooms or companies, you’ve invited me into your lives, your homes and your hearts. 

“And this has enriched my representation of the most distinguished congressional district in our country, as the first woman and the first Democrat to ever represent our district,” she said.

Eshoo said that during her time in Congress, she introduced 66 bipartisan bills that were ultimately signed into law by five different presidents.

These bills spanned topics ranging from the preservation of lands to women’s health to the creation of two federal agencies to promote technological research and development to national security.

“As my last year in Congress approaches, I will continue my work with vigor and unswerving commitment to you,” Eshoo said. “I salute my superb staff who consistently uphold the highest standards in their work to serve every single constituent with professionalism, respect and personal care.”

Eshoo’s retirement is expected to lead to a heated competition for her vacant seat representing California’s 16th Congressional District, which includes Silicon Valley and much of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.

Among those said to be interested in running are California state Sen. Josh Becker, state Assemblymember Evan Low, Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian and former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo.

In a written statement, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said that during her years in Congress, Eshoo has “exemplified Silicon Valley’s hallmark innovation and brilliance at every step of her public service journey.”

“Anna has served on the prestigious House Committee on Energy and Commerce since 1995, using her expertise to author legislation to expand access to affordable health care, promote the creation of lifesaving cures and keep kids and families safe and healthy,” Jeffries said. 

“In the years following the horrific Sept. 11 attacks, Anna led the charge to create a modern, nationwide next-generation 911 network and has continued to advance bipartisan cybersecurity laws,” he continued. “Anna has championed investments in transportation, infrastructure and affordable housing that make life better for people across the Bay Area. Originally elected during the historic Year of the Woman, Anna is the only Armenian American and only Assyrian American serving in Congress.

“It is fitting that Silicon Valley has been represented by a prolific legislator, innovator and barrier breaker like Anna Eshoo. Anna has been a personal mentor and source of encouragement and inspiration throughout my journey in Congress and I wish her and her family the best in this new chapter at the conclusion of a historic congressional career,” Jeffries added. 

House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., said in a statement that Eshoo “delivered results for the people of Silicon Valley with determination, creativity and vision.”

“While Anna will be missed by her colleagues on both sides of the aisle, her lasting impact will continue to be felt across California’s 16th District and in the halls of Congress,” Clark said.

Since the start of the year, more than three dozen House members have announced they will not seek reelection in 2024.

Dan can be reached at [email protected] and @DanMcCue