Democratic Rep. Dave Loebsack announced today that he will retire from the House at the end of his term, potentially setting up a competitive race for Iowa's 2nd District in 2020.
Loebsack's district, which he will have represented for 14 years by the time he exits Congress, went for President Donald Trump by 4 percentage points in 2016.
"I have enjoyed beyond my expectations serving the people of Iowa’s Second District for the past 13 years," Loebsack said in a statement. "Having grown up in poverty, I never would have imagined having the honor of serving as the voice of Iowans in the U.S. House of Representatives. To best achieve that, I made it a point to meet with folks where they live, work and play in order to focus on improving their lives. I have worked hard to ensure ALL Iowans have had their voice heard."
“When first elected, I had planned to serve no more than 12 years," Loebsack continued. "However, after Donald Trump assumed the presidency, it became apparent that I needed to run for at least one more term in the hopes that I could provide a check on his worst impulses. Currently, there are nearly two years remaining in this term and I look forward to playing an important role in the new House majority, not only to prevent further damage done by President Trump, but to also help set the stage for a new Democratic president to be inaugurated in January of 2021."
Democrats currently hold a 235-seat majority in the House after flipping 40 seats in 2018. Loebsack's district is one of 55 initial targets announced by the NRCC in February.
Article originally published on POLITICO Magazine