It's Official: Congressman Ed Towns to Step Down

U.S. Congressman Edolphus Towns issued an official statement today that he will not seek a 16^th term in the U.S. House of Representatives, a seat he has held for 30 years.

“After months of long family discussions, I have decided not to seek reelection for my seat in the United State House of Representatives,” said Towns in an email statement. “I am very grateful for the support we have received over the years. I believe firmly that we would have won a 16^th term had we decided to run.”

Towns, who was running against Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries and City Councilman Charles Barron in the June 26^th primary, represents a key district of Central Brooklyn, which includes the neighborhoods of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Clinton Hill, Fort Greene and parts of Prospect Heights.

Towns began his political career in 1978 as Brooklyn's first African-American Deputy Borough President. Four years later, in 1982, he ran for Congress and won. During his career, Congressman Towns served on numerous committees, and in 2010 was appointed chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. He was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, which he chaired in 1991, the Congressional Caribbean Caucus, the Congressional Urban Caucus, the Congressional Mental Health Caucus, and the Congressional Labor and Working Families Caucus. He is also the founder of the Congressional Social Work Caucus.

“I am proud to have brought millions of dollars into my district for much needed improvements, fought corruption on Wall Street as Chair of the Congressional Oversight Committee and helped to bring healthcare to millions of uninsured Americans as a devoted advocate of healthcare reform,” said Towns. “It has been an honor to have fought so that the people of New York can have more opportunities and a chance to live better lives.”

After three decades of service and a healthy legislative track record, Town's decision may come as a complete surprise to some-- but lesser so to anyone following the race as of late.

Towns’ campaign first showed signs of trouble back in February when it was reported that challenging an incumbent, even beating out Barry Ford's fundraising record of $260,000 in 1999.

Criticism grew with the congressman’s opponents and some community members, as they began pointing to his alleged absence on the campaign trail. In fact, his failure to show up for key speaking engagements was noted as a big reason the Vanguard Independent Democratic Club (VIDA) this year chose to endorse Jeffries, after decades of backing Towns.

District Leader and VIDA President Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. admitted Towns would have had a better chance of gaining the club’s endorsement had he met with the board. But he never showed up, said Cornegy of Towns -- who had been a mentor to Cornegy -- while Jeffries had made two appearances. Cornegy said the decision was nothing personal, but he had to go with the board’s decision.

“We respect and honor Congressman Towns’ 30-year commitment to public service,” Cornegy told Bed-Stuy Patch. “And we especially respect his decision to transition on his terms. History will be able to detail the many accomplishments over the long period of his tenure for his constituency.”

Meanwhile, Jeffries, who has so far raised an impressive and has secured , commended Towns for his service.

"I commend Congressman Towns on his 30 years of service to the people of Brooklyn and wish him well on the next chapter of his professional life,” Jeffries said in a written statement.

Barron, who came within 8 percentage points from beating Towns in 2006, said Towns’ decision will not change his campaign’s strategy.

“I believe we’re going to win, whether he’s in the race or out of the race,” Barron told Bed-Stuy Patch. “The bottom line is, I show up for my people. The others don’t. With these Republicans trying to take control of every legislative decision, you need a fighter in the House right now, and I’m the best fighter that we could have.”