Rep. Rush Holt, a Democrat from central New Jersey, announced Tuesday he will retire at the end of this term.
Mr. Holt, a former arms control expert at the State Department and research director at Princeton University, arrived on Capitol Hill in 1999 served as chairman of the Select Intelligence Oversight Panel from 2007 to 2011.
“For the past 15 years, Congressman Rush Holt has represented Central New Jersey with energy, creativity, an innovative spirit and an unyielding commitment to the needs, aspirations, and best interests of his constituents,” House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, California Democrat, said.
Alieta Eck, a Republican who ran unsuccessfully for the Garden State’s vacant Senate seat last year, signaled in January that she would run for Mr. Holt’s seat.
“I was looking forward to debating the critical issues facing America and New Jersey with Congressman Holt,” Ms. Eck, a doctor, said Tuesday through her campaign. “Particularly the looming health care crisis with the ramp up of the ill advised Obamacare act.”
Mr. Holt, 65, joins the growing ranks of senior House members who are calling it quits at the end of this year.
Most recently, House Natural Resources Chairman Doc Hastings, Washington Republican, said he is leaving after nearly 20 years in Congress.
Rep. Henry Waxman, California Democrat, said last month he will retire after 40 years in the House, as will two fellow Californians — 20-term Democratic Rep. George Miller and 11-term Republican Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon.
Northern Virginia will see two of its long-term representatives depart in 17-term Republican Frank Wolf and 12-term Democrat Jim Moran.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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