SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Rep. Susan Davis of the 53rd Congressional District won’t seek re-election in 2020, the Congresswoman announced Wednesday.
Davis was first elected to Congress in 2000.
“I have struggled to make this very difficult decision. I will not seek another term in Congress. My decision today represents a desire to live and work ‘at home’ in San Diego,” she said.
Davis is currently the second highest-ranking Democrat on both the House Education and Labor Committee and the House Armed Service Committee.
Among measures recently supported by Davis is the Green New Deal, introduced by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
She also helped spearhead the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell,” a Clinton-era policy which allowed LGTBQ people to serve in the military only if they remained in the closet.
“It makes us a better military, a better country, and I was very happy to be a part of that,” said Davis.
So far, only two other candidates have officially entered the race.
Jose Caballero, a Navy veteran, filed earlier this year and has raised $4,900 as of June.
Joaquín Vázquez, the son of undocumented immigrants, has also filed to run, but has not submitted any fundraising documents yet to the FEC.
Both are Democrats with no previous experience as elected officials.
In 2018, Davis faced off against Republican challenger, Morgan Murtaugh, beating her by a nearly 40% margin. Murtaugh has not announced whether or not she plans to run again.
Rep. Scott Peters of the 52nd Congressional District released the following statement after the announcement:
Congratulations to my friend and colleague Susan Davis on her retirement from the United States House of Representatives. Her service in Congress over nearly two decades has made San Diego and our country better. She has been a fierce advocate for our military families and service members and championed expanding education and opportunities for Americans. As the senior member of our delegation, Susan was a model of exemplary service for all of us.
I’m sad to hear this news, but I’m glad to hear Susan will remain active and continue her service to San Diego here at home—where she has made so much of a difference already. I wish Susan, Steve, and their entire family the best as they embark on this next chapter.
