Kathleen Rice Announces She Won't Run For Re-Election

GARDEN CITY, NY — Kathleen Rice, a Democrat representing New York's 4th Congressional District, announced this morning that she will not be running for re-election for her seat. She would have been up for election this year.

Rice, 57, a former Nassau County district attorney, won her first term in Congress in 2015. She currently sits on House committees for Homeland Security, as well as Energy and Commerce. She will leave office when her term ends next January.

"Though I will not be running for re-election to Congress this year, i will remain focused on protecting our democracy and serving my constituents throughout the rest of my term," Rice said in a statement she posted to Twitter. "As I turn to the next chapter of my own personal and professional story, I do so with profound thanks to the community leaders, colleagues and staff who have lived our shared commitment to service with courage and humility."

Rice is the second Long Island Representative to announce they won't seek re-election. Congressman Tom Suozzi, who represents the 3rd CD, is also leaving his seat. Suozzi is running for governor.

Rice and Suozzi are Long Island's two Democratic representatives. It is likely they will be replaced by Democrats, as New York's new district maps favor Democrats over Republicans.

"I entered public service 30 years ago and never left," Rice said in her statement. "It has been the honor of my life to serve as a prosecutor, district attorney and U.S. Representative in my beloved home state of New York. I have laways believed that holding political office is neither destiny nor a right. As elected officials, we must give all we have and then know when it is time to allow others to serve."

The 4th Congressional District is located entirely in Nassau County. It includes Atlantic Beach, Baldwin, Barnum Island, Bay Park, Bellmore, Bellerose, Bellerose Terrace, Carle Place, East Rockaway, East Meadow, Elmont, the Five Towns, Floral Park, Franklin Square, Freeport, Garden City, Hempstead, Island Park, Lakeview, Lido Beach, Long Beach, Lynbrook, Malverne, Merrick, Mineola, New Cassel, New Hyde Park, Oceanside, Point Lookout, Rockville Centre, Roosevelt, Salisbury, South Floral Park, Stewart Manor, Uniondale, Valley Stream, Wantagh, West Hempstead and Westbury.