Rep. Deutch Becomes 31st Democrat to Announce Retirement
WASHINGTON — Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla., announced Monday that he will not run for reelection this November, and instead will become the CEO of the American Jewish Committee.
With his announcement, Deutch became the 31st House Democrat to forgo a reelection bid in what is projected to be a tough election year for the party.
The representative himself said he’d merely found a position that will allow him to expand on the work he’s done as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
He is slated to take over as CEO on Oct. 1, replacing David Harris, who has led the organization since 1990.
“I have worked closely with the American Jewish Committee throughout my tenure in Congress and I am deeply honored to have been chosen to serve as the organization’s next CEO,” Deutch said on the advocacy group’s website.
“For 116 years, AJC has worked to protect global Jewry, strengthen Israel’s place in the community of nations, and advance democratic values around the world,” he continued. “I couldn’t be more excited to passionately lead AJC at this critical moment in history and feel immensely privileged to have the opportunity to build on the historic efforts and impact of David Harris, past and present AJC leaders, and the entire team at the organization, who are among the most dedicated professionals in the Jewish world.
“I am wholeheartedly committed to furthering AJC’s nonpartisan, centrist approach, and will be steadfast in my efforts to advance the organization’s mission,” Deutch added. “AJC will continue to defend the global Jewish community whenever and wherever it is threatened — in America, Europe, Latin America, online, on campus, at the United Nations. It will prepare Jewish advocates to boldly and knowledgeably stand against antisemitism and other bigotries. And it will use the talent and power of innovative leaders of all ages to defend Israel’s rightful place in the world and expand the opportunities to transform the Middle East and the world under the Abraham Accords.”
Deutch has served in Congress since 2010, when he won a special election. In his retirement announcement, he credited his father, who earned a Purple Heart in the Battle of the Bulge, with instilling him with a penchant for public service.
“It has been a tremendous privilege to serve the people of Palm Beach and Broward Counties in Congress. … I am incredibly grateful to my constituents for their support and friendship.”
Deutch’s district includes Boca Raton and Ft. Lauderdale, and also Parkland, where 17 students and faculty members were shot and killed during a mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February 2018.
“I have tried every day since to be there for their families and to help them honor the memories of their loved ones in all the ways they are working to make our schools and community safer,” he said. “I have also tried to support the survivors in any way I can, though it is their powerful voices that have helped create desperately needed change,” Deutch said.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a written statement that Deutch had been a devoted champion for his South Florida community from his first day in the House, “a relentless advocate for the public good and a clarion voice for human rights and justice.”
“Our caucus and the Congress will deeply miss his great integrity and committed leadership when he departs from the House this October to lead the American Jewish Committee,” she said.
“Over his nearly 12 years in the House, Chairman Deutch has been a powerful voice for South Floridians — especially leading the charge for action on gun violence after the horrific massacre in Parkland,” Pelosi continued. “Serving as chair of the House Committee on Ethics, he has been an effective force for restoring transparency, accountability and integrity to our government: always putting the public interest before the special interests. As he works to keep Americans safe at home, he has worked tirelessly to strengthen safety and security, economic prosperity and democratic values abroad as chair of Middle East, North Africa, and Global Counterterrorism Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.”
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., also released a statement, calling Deutch “an outstanding member of Congress and leader within our caucus,” as well as “a valued colleague and a dear friend.”
“I’ve been proud to work beside Ted throughout the last 12 years to stand up for justice, equality and opportunity for all Americans,” Hoyer said. “Ted has been a voice of conscience throughout his tenure. In addition to joining efforts aimed at stamping out racism, xenophobia, homophobia and transphobia, he has led bipartisan efforts to combat antisemitism, rallying members together to confront the danger of a rising wave of hatred and violence targeting America’s Jewish communities.
“In parallel with that effort, Ted has been one of Congress’ most steadfast supporters of Israel and of the close U.S.-Israel relationship. Together, he and I have traveled to Israel and partnered on legislation to strengthen U.S.-Israel security cooperation, and I have admired Ted’s determined advocacy to ensure that the coalition of which we are both a part in Congress to stand with Israel remains strongly bipartisan. Because of his efforts, the U.S.-Israel relationship is stronger today and for the future,” Hoyer said.
“I will be very sad to see Ted leave the Congress at the end of this year, and I want to thank his wife, Jill, and their children for making it possible for him to devote so much time and energy to public service,” the majority leader said. “His tenure in office has brought great credit to him, to the institution of the House, and to the nation he has served so admirably.”
Of the 31 Democrats who are not seeking reelection this year, 23 are retiring from public service, four are running for U.S. Senate and four are seeking other office. Meanwhile, a total of 13 Republicans have announced their intention not to run this year.
Dan can be reached at [email protected] and at https://twitter.com/DanMcCue
