Frank LoBiondo To Retire From Congress

U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo’s (R-2) time in Congress is coming to an end. As voters head to the polls to vote in an off-year election, the 12-term Congressman announced he will retire at the end of next year.

“Today I announce I will not seek reelection in 2018," the 71-year-old Congressman said in a prepared statement. "“I am sincerely humbled by the trust and responsibility the voters of New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District placed in me. I am deeply appreciative of the lifetime friendships I have made across the 8 counties I represent. I am forever grateful to my talented and dedicated staff that have worked in the Washington and Mays Landing offices over the years."

He was first elected in 1994, and is seen as a moderate Republican.

“As a freeholder, Assemblyman and now Congressman I always looked for solutions that produce real world results built upon cooperation and partnerships," LoBiondo said. "People before politics has always been my philosophy and my motivation. Regrettably, our nation is now consumed by increasing political polarization; there is no longer middle ground to honestly debate issues and put forward solutions."

However, he said his decision was not made for political reasons, nor was it made due to health concerns.

"I am in good health and continue to maintain a full schedule," LoBiondo said. " ... Throughout my career I have always made my constituents and the interests of my district my top priority, therefore I am very confident voters would again reelect me."

LoBiondo oversees the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee and the House Intelligence Committee’s CIA subcommittee.

“As I am term-limited as Chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee and in my position on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, now is appropriate time to leave," LoBiondo said. "Furthermore, as some of my closest colleagues have also come to realize, those of us who came to Congress to change Washington for the better through good governance are now the outliers. In legislating, we previously fought against allowing the perfect to become the enemy of the good. Today a vocal and obstinate minority within both parties has hijacked good legislation in pursuit of no legislation.

“From day one I have always put South Jersey first and people before politics, giving 200 percent to representing our interests while promoting our way of life. From increasing veterans’ services and strengthening the footprint of our homeland security bases to growing our aviation industry and protecting our tourism-based economy through beach replenishment projects, I am immensely proud of the record I have accomplished. Helping people and constituent services is the most rewarding part of public service."

Political experts view his seat as a possible gain for the Democrats next year. Barack Obama easily won the district in the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections. The district went to Donald Trump in last year's presidential election.

The Second Congressional District covers all of Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem counties, and parts of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester and Ocean counties.

“With LoBiondo retiring, New Jersey is losing one of the last of our moderate-on-the-environment Republicans,” New Jersey Sierra Club Director Jeff Tittel said. “He led efforts for an important sign-on letter against permit applications for seismic activity in the Mid-Atlantic Ocean. LoBiondo is a member of the Climate Solutions Caucus, which is a bipartisan group in the House that explores policy options that addresses our changing climate.

“LoBiondo also helped introduce a national resolution calling for improving environmental stewardship. He voted against mountaintop mining and has opposed offshore drilling. He has spoken out against Trump’s environmental, and other, rollbacks and at times stood against other Republicans. Pro-environment and climate change protections Republicans have become an endangered species.”

In the past year, LoBiondo has been at odds with Trump on issues such as healthcare and the current tax proposal. He also expressed outrage at some of Trump’s controversial comments ahead of last year’s presidential election.

That didn't stop his fellow Republicans from praising him following Tuesday's announcement.

“Frank has been a tremendous leader for the State of New Jersey and will continue to fight for the Garden State until his term ends next year," Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7) said. "From his time in Trenton to representing southern New Jersey in Congress, Frank always put the needs of the State and the Nation first. He is someone whose judgment and counsel I always trust. Heidi and I wish him and Tina great success in the future.”

Democrats Sean Thom and Tanzie Youngblood had already filed to run for the seat in next year's election, but there may be renewed interest should he announce his retirement, philly.com reports.

State Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1) also intends to jump into the race, sources tell nj.com.

State Assemblyman Chris Brown and Atlantic County Sheriff Frank Balles are two names that have surfaced as possible successors among Republicans, according to Politico.

“For a boy who grew up on a farm in Rosenhayn and looked to his father as a role model of how to do the right thing for the right reason, it has been a privilege to be South Jersey’s voice in Congress," LoBiondo said. "I have always been focused, committed and determined to represent the people of South Jersey with honor and respect. The truly remarkable, caring and thoughtful people I have had the opportunity to meet, work alongside, and represent are the most rewarding gift that I will always remember and cherish.

“My wife Tina and I are looking forward to the next chapter of our lives in South Jersey.”

Patch file photo