Rep. Peter DeFazio Announces Retirement, Will Not Run In 2022

WASHINGTON D.C. — Rep. Peter DeFazio (OR-04) announced Wednesday that he will be retiring and will not seek reelection in 2022.

The 74-year-old Democrat, whose district includes Eugene, Corvallis, Roseburg and Coos Bay, is the longest serving U.S. House member in Oregon's history. He was first elected to the House in 1986.

"With humility and gratitude I am announcing that I will not seek reelection next year. It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as Congressman for the Fourth District of Oregon," DeFazio said in a statement.

According to the Associated Press, DeFazio has been a staunch advocate for environmental issues and his accomplishments include: banning the export of logs from federal lands to protect old growth forests, protecting 390,000 acres (157,827 hectares) of wilderness in Oregon and increasing federal investment in infrastructure.

DeFazio currently is the chairman of the House Transportation Committee.

"It's time for me to pass the baton to the next generation, so I can focus on my health an well-being," DeFazio said in a statement. "This was a tough decision at a challenging time for our republic with the very pillars of our democracy under threat, but I am bolstered by the passion and principles of my colleagues in Congress and the ingenuity and determination of young Americans who are civically engaged and working for change."

Tributes to DeFazio poured in from those involved in national and state politics.

In a statement, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi praised DeFazio for his many years of service.

"Chairman Peter DeFazio is an absolute force for progress, whose 36 years of effective leadership in the House will leave a legacy that will benefit the Congress and country for decades to come," Pelosi said.

Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Transportation, thanked DeFazio for your years of public service and for laying the tracks to a better and safer transportation future for our country.

"I look forward to continuing our work this next year to implement the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and ensure everyone has the transportation options they deserve," Buttigieg said in a statement.

Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden said in a statement that DeFazio always put the best interests of his constituents first.

"Thanks to Peter DeFazio, roads, bridges and transportation systems in Oregon and nationwide are stronger, last longer and are cleaner and greener," Wyden said.

Wyden added: "Oregonians always know with full confidence that (DeFazio) stands in the vanguard of the battle to ensure everybody gets a fair shake. I look forward to continuing our work to build on his outstanding legacy that's helped countless Oregonians."

Environmental groups also paid tribute to DeFazio

"Chairman DeFazio is one of Congress' all-time greatest champions for wildlife, public lands and healthy waterways," said Collin O'Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation.

In the 2020 election, DeFazio defeated Republican challenger Alek Skarlatos by just 5 percentage points, his closest margin of victory in many years, according to AP.