RI Rep. Jim Langevin Won't Seek Re-Election

PROVIDENCE, RI — After nearly four decades in public office and 11 terms in Congress, Rep. Jim Langevin of Rhode Island announced Tuesday he will not seek re-election in the fall.

In a video simply titled "Thank you, Rhode Island," the congressman announced that although "it's been the privilege of a lifetime" to hold public office, he is ready to step down.

"After serving the people of Rhode Island for over 36 years, including 11 terms and nearly 30 years in Congress, I'm announcing that I will not be a candidate for elective office this November," Langevin said.

Langevin was the first quadriplegic to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. When he was 16, he was injured at the Warwick Police Department as part of the Boy Scout Explorer program. A gun accidentally went off and a bullet struck him, leaving him paralyzed.

In the video, Langevin said it was this accident that helped lead him to a life in public service, as a way to thank the Rhode Island community that rallied around him and offered him support in his hour of need.

In 1986, Langevin served as secretary for Rhode Island's Constitutional Convention. After winning election to the state's House of Representatives, he became the country's youngest secretary of state in 1994. He continued in that role until he was first elected to Congress in 2000, serving the state's 2nd District.

"I've done my best to stand up for you and your families," Langevin said. "It's time. Time for me to chart a new course."

Rhode Island House Speaker K. Joseph Skekarchi said he has been "proud to be Jim’s friend throughout his decades of public service, during which he has been a relentless champion for Rhode Islanders," and called him a "proven fighter" in his time in Congress.

"Jim has been a trailblazer for Americans with disabilities, serving as a national leader on issues of disability rights and inclusion," Skekarchi said. "Jim is a highly respected voice on issues of national security, particularly cybersecurity. Today is a day to recognize his personal achievements and accomplishments, not for future political speculation. I wish Jim all the best in his future endeavors."