Current:Home > FinanceBlaine Luetkemeyer, longtime Missouri Republican congressman, won’t seek reelection -Excel Money Vision
Blaine Luetkemeyer, longtime Missouri Republican congressman, won’t seek reelection
View
Date:2025-04-19 21:15:44
Missouri Republican U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer will not seek reelection, though his departure in what is considered a safe Republican district is unlikely to impact the balance of power after the 2024 election.
Luetkemeyer, 71, announced his decision Thursday. He joins a growing list of House members who plan to retire or seek other office.
“It has been an honor to serve the great people of the Third Congressional District and state of Missouri for these past several years,” Luetkemeyer said in a statement. “However, after a lot of thoughtful discussion with my family, I have decided to not file for re-election and retire at the end of my term in December.”
Luetkemeyer, who was first elected in 2008, represents a large geographic area that stretches from the western suburbs of St. Louis to Jefferson City and Columbia in central Missouri. Luetkemeyer narrowly defeated Democrat Judy Baker in 2008, but in every subsequent election has won the general election by more than 30 percentage points.
The Cook Political Report lists the 3rd District as solid Republican.
Missouri politics have moved decidedly to the right over the past two decades. Six of the state’s eight members of the U.S. House are Republicans, as are all of the statewide officeholders.
Nationally, about two dozen Democrats have indicated they won’t seek reelection, with half running for another elected office. Luetkemeyer is among about 15 Republicans have said they are not seeking another term, with three seeking elected office elsewhere.
Republican exits have involved higher-profile lawmakers.
Rep. George Santos of New York became only the third lawmaker to be expelled by colleagues since the Civil War. Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California was the first speaker to be removed from that office by his colleagues. He opted to leave effective Dec. 31 rather than serve among the rank-and-file.
But the departure of a handful of Democrats in competitive districts has Republicans optimistic that they have the early edge in determining which party controls the House after the 2024 elections.
veryGood! (7351)
Related
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- Rep. Elise Stefanik seeks probe of special counsel Jack Smith over Trump 2020 election case
- The body of a Mississippi man will remain in state hands as police investigate his death, judge says
- Rihanna Reveals Why Being a Boy Mom Helps Her Embrace Her Femininity
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- Will Jake Shane Be a Godparent to BFF Sofia Richie's Baby? He Says...
- The deadline to consolidate some student loans to receive forgiveness is here. Here’s what to know
- Chris Hemsworth Reveals Why He Was Angry After Sharing His Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- Trump says he’ll use National Guard to deport migrants, doubling down on anti-immigration rhetoric
Ranking
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Perspective: What you're actually paying for these free digital platforms
- Jelly Roll's Wife Bunnie XO Claps Back After Meeting Her Hall Pass Crush
- Drew Barrymore tells VP Kamala Harris 'we need you to be Momala,' draws mixed reactions
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Prosecutors say they will not retry George Alan Kelly, Arizona rancher accused of murder near the US-Mexico border
- Marjorie Taylor Greene threatens vote on ousting Mike Johnson after Democrats say they'll block it
- Fed likely to hint interest rates will stay higher for longer. But how high for how long?
Recommendation
Global Warming Set the Stage for Los Angeles Fires
Sara Evans Details Struggle With Eating Disorder and Body Dysmorphia
Trump says states should decide on prosecuting women for abortions, has no comment on abortion pill
Walmart to close health centers in retreat from offering medical care
Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
Jelly Roll's Wife Bunnie XO Claps Back After Meeting Her Hall Pass Crush
'American Idol': Watch Emmy Russell bring Katy Perry to tears with touching Loretta Lynn cover
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, PB&J