Rep. Kevin Brady Won’t Seek Reelection

WASHINGTON – Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, the top Republican on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, announced Wednesday that he will not seek reelection next year after serving since 1997.

“This term, my 13th, will be the last,” Brady said during remarks before the Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Conference, which was being held this morning at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott.

He reiterated his intentions a short time later on Twitter.

“This term, my 13th, will be my last,” Brady wrote. “It’s a remarkable privilege to work for #TX08 in the U.S. House of Representatives. I set out to give my constituents the representation they deserve, the effectiveness they want and the economic freedom they need. I hope I delivered.”

In a second post he said, “I am optimistic about our country, because I have faith in our people. I’ve seen up close how remarkable you are, and while I am leaving Congress I am excited about our future. God Bless Texas, and God Bless the United States of America.”

A full announcement has been posted on his website and can be read here.

Brady is term-limited in his role on the Ways and Means Committee, and if he stayed in the House, he would have had to relinquish his position as ranking member in the next Congress.

He previously served as the committee’s chairman from 2015 to 2019, including while Republicans enacted their 2017 tax overhaul under former President Trump.

In a sidebar interview at the Woodlands, Texas chamber conference, Brady acknowledged that the House GOP caucus rule limiting members to six consecutive years of committee leadership at a time played a role in his decision to retire.

But he went on to say he believes the caucus’s committee leader term limits are a good thing, ensuring lawmakers who work hard and effectively have the opportunity to lead and bring fresh ideas to committee work.

Brady’s retirement will no doubt set off a race among House Republicans for the party’s top slot on the House Ways and Means Committee.

The most senior Republican on the panel after Brady is Rep. Devin Nunes, of California, followed by Reps. Vern Buchanan, of Florida, and Adrian Smith, of Nebraska.

Nunes currently serves as the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee after previously serving as its chairman while Republicans held the House majority. Nunes would have to give up his Intelligence Committee post if he chose to run for the Ways and Means role.

Brady’s district outside Houston has long been a Republican stronghold, and is not expected to become competitive for Democrats in next year’s midterm elections.

In a statement, the Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce said it was an “honor” to have Brady announce his impending retirement at its conference.

“We wish him success and happiness in his future endeavors!” the chamber said on its Facebook page.