Rep. Jackie Speier Will Not Run For Re-election

SAN MATEO, CA — Rep. Jackie Speier (D-San Mateo), who has represented San Mateo County in Congress since 2008, announced Tuesday that she will not seek re-election in 2022.

Speier's district, the 14th District, covers most of San Mateo County and part of San Francisco. Speier's departure creates a rare opening and will likely set off a heated race for her replacement in a Peninsula region that has reliably voted for Congressional representatives from the Democratic Party.

In a video announcement Tuesday morning, Speier referenced how she was nearly killed 43 years ago this week during the Jonestown massacre when she accompanied Congressman Leo Ryan as a staffer to Guyana to investigate a cult compound led by Jim Jones.

Five people, including Ryan, were killed during an ambush as they were boarding a plane to leave Jonestown. Speier was shot five times, but survived.

"I vowed that if I survived, I would dedicate my life to public service," Speier said. "I lived, and I served. It's been a remarkable journey that has surpassed my wildest dreams."

Speier, who began her political career on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in 1980, noted that she has served San Mateo County "at almost every level of government for nearly four decades."

She also represented the county in the State Assembly and State Senate before landing in the House of Representatives.

"It's time for me to come home," said Speier, 71.

Reaction From Colleagues

Tributes to Speier's career poured in from local and national politicians.

State Sen. Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), called Speier a "true superhero."

"Throughout her incredible career in public service, she has done so much for the people of the Peninsula, our state and our country,” Becker said. "We all owe her an enormous debt of gratitude. Her courage and her forthright representation have been an inspiration for me and countless others."

Speier's legislative record was comparable to Babe Ruth's batting record and her departure while "at the very top of her game" was reminiscent of the recently-retired San Francisco Giants star Buster Posey, according to Assembly Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin (D-South San Francisco).

"Jackie leaves a public legacy of accomplishment that will stand the test of time," Mullin said. "I was awed by her ability to stand up to powerful interests regardless of potential political consequences. It was the embodiment of integrity, with a fidelity to the public interest above all other considerations."

Sen. Dianne Feinstein said on Twitter: "Jackie Speier will be sorely missed on Capitol Hill. She has been a tireless advocate for the people of the Bay Area and her service will long be remembered. I wish her nothing but the best."

Rep. James Clyburn (D-South Carolina), the House Majority Whip, said on Twitter that Speier's voice will be missed.

"As a gun violence survivor, she's a fearless advocate for complete & universal background checks," Clyburn said.

State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) called Speier a "true American hero" and "one of our very best public servants."

"Her retirement from Congress is a loss for our community & country," Wiener said on Twitter "But I know she’ll continue to do great work."