Democratic Representative Stephanie Murphy announced on Monday that she will not seek re-election in 2022, opening up a competitive congressional district in Florida.
Murphy, who chairs the centrist Blue Dog Coalition, represents Florida’s 7th Congressional District, which contains parts of Orlando and its suburbs. She was first elected in 2016, unseating former Representative John Mica.
In a video posted to her Twitter account, Murphy said deciding to not seek re-election was “not an easy decision, but it was the right decision.”
“I recognize this is a very rare thing to do in Congress, but I still strongly believe in a citizen Congress where ordinary citizens run for office in search of duty and service, not in search of a career,” she said in the video. “And I never intended for my time in Congress to become a career.”
I’ve decided not to seek another term in Congress. Serving Central Florida has been the honor of my life, but it’s also been incredibly challenging for my family and me.
This was not an easy decision, but it is the right decision. Thank you for everything. pic.twitter.com/UaOufbPOSo
— Stephanie Murphy (@SMurphyCongress) December 20, 2021
Her retirement leaves open a competitive—though Democratic trending—seat. Murphy won reelection by about 12 points in 2020, while President Joe Biden carried the seat by about 10 points.
The National Republican Congressional Committee considers the district to be one of its top targets. Redistricting could further complicate Democrats‘ ability to hold the district, as redistricting maps proposed by the Florida State Senate and House would make it more competitive if passed.
Murphy joins several other Democrats who have announced intentions to retire at the end of the current term.
This is a breaking news story that will be updated when more information becomes available.
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