Rep. Annie Kuster of New Hampshire announced her decision not to seek re-election to the House of Representatives in 2024, after 12 years in office. She expressed excitement for the future opportunities and work that lie ahead, emphasizing the importance of advocating for change and standing up for beliefs. Kuster, 67, confirmed that she will serve out the rest of her term until January 2025 and plans to focus on bipartisan legislation as a member of the New Democrat Coalition.
Her district in New Hampshire is considered “likely Democrat,” making it challenging for a GOP candidate to win in the upcoming election. Kuster’s decision to not seek re-election adds to the growing list of lawmakers leaving office in 2024. She becomes the 42nd member of the House of Representatives and the 23rd Democrat to make this announcement. Despite New Hampshire being a swing state, Kuster’s district voted for Joe Biden over Donald Trump in 2020, indicating a tilt towards the Democratic Party.
In addition to Kuster, several other congressional representatives have either left office early or plan to step down before the November elections. This includes notable figures such as Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), and former Reps. Ken Buck (R-Colo.), Brian Higgins (D-NY), Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Bill Johnson (R-Ohio), and George Santos (R-NY). Gallagher’s impending departure from the House in April will diminish the GOP majority to just a 217-213 ratio, leaving House Speaker Mike Johnson with little margin for error in votes unless Democrats vote alongside Republicans.
In Wisconsin, the law dictates that Gallagher’s seat cannot be filled until after the November election if he resigns in April, as planned. This situation highlights the potential consequences of lawmakers leaving office prematurely, impacting the balance of power in the House of Representatives. The aftermath of the 2022 midterm elections saw a narrow majority for the Republicans at 222-213, which may be further complicated by additional resignations or retirements in the coming months.
Kuster’s departure from Congress marks the end of an era for the Second District of New Hampshire, where she has represented the state with pride and dedication. Her decision to focus on passing bipartisan legislation and building on the progress made during her tenure reflects a commitment to fulfilling her duties until the end of her term. As the political landscape continues to evolve with new faces and changes in leadership, the ramifications of these departures and resignations emphasize the importance of a balanced and functional legislative branch in governing effectively.
