Rep. Kevin Brady Won’t Seek Reelection

April 14, 2021 by Dan McCue
Rep. Kevin Brady Won’t Seek Reelection
Rep. Kevin Brady at the the Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Conference. (Photo via Facebook)

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.

A+
a-
  • Congress
  • Kevin Brady
  • Retirement
  • In The News

    Health

    Voting

    Congress

    March 27, 2024
    by TWN Staff
    Rep. Cleaver New Co-Chair of House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus

    WASHINGTON — Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, D-Mo., is the new Democratic co-chair of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency... Read More

    WASHINGTON — Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, D-Mo., is the new Democratic co-chair of the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus. He was invited to serve as co-chair by Sens. Jack Reed, D-R.I., and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, the co-chairs of the Senate Renewable Energy and Energy... Read More

    March 27, 2024
    by Dan McCue
    New Dem Chair Kuster Announces Retirement Following 2024 Election

    CONCORD, N.H. — Rep. Annie Kuster, D-N.H., who, among other things, is the current chair of the New Democrat Coalition... Read More

    CONCORD, N.H. — Rep. Annie Kuster, D-N.H., who, among other things, is the current chair of the New Democrat Coalition in the House, revealed Wednesday that she will not seek reelection to Congress this year. In a lengthy statement released by her office, Kuster gives no... Read More

    March 25, 2024
    by Dan McCue
    CPAC Releases Ranking of Most Conservative Members of Congress

    WASHINGTON — The Conservative Political Action Conference, also known as CPAC, on Monday released its annual ranking of members of... Read More

    WASHINGTON — The Conservative Political Action Conference, also known as CPAC, on Monday released its annual ranking of members of the House and Senate based on their conservative bona fides or lack thereof. To produce this year’s scorecard, the CPAC foundation’s Center for Legislative Accountability analyzed... Read More

    March 22, 2024
    by Dan McCue
    After a Decade on Capitol Hill, Brad Howard Steps Out on His Own

    WASHINGTON — After a decade on Capitol Hill, most recently as chief of staff for former Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla.,... Read More

    WASHINGTON — After a decade on Capitol Hill, most recently as chief of staff for former Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., and communications director of the Blue Dog Coalition, Brad Howard knew it was time for change. “It was time to move into the private sector,” he... Read More

    March 22, 2024
    by Dan McCue
    Greene Files Motion to Vacate Speaker’s Chair

    WASHINGTON — For the second time in five months, a member of the Republican Conference in the House has filed... Read More

    WASHINGTON — For the second time in five months, a member of the Republican Conference in the House has filed a motion to vacate the chair of the party’s speaker. But this time, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., says the motion is intended merely as a... Read More

    March 22, 2024
    by Dan McCue
    Gallagher to Leave Congress April 19

    WASHINGTON — Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., who already announced he would not seek reelection, surprised many on Capitol Hill on... Read More

    WASHINGTON — Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., who already announced he would not seek reelection, surprised many on Capitol Hill on Friday by announcing he plans to leave April 19, several months before his current term is up. Gallagher’s impending departure will further shrink the razor-thin Republican... Read More

    News From The Well
    scroll top