WASHINGTON (AP) 鈥� Rep. John Katko, a respected Republican moderate whose congressional career seemed to be on the rise, announced his retirement Friday, the third of the 10 House GOP lawmakers who voted to impeach President Donald Trump last January to say they won't seek reelection.
The New Yorker, 59, was in line to become chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee if, as seems likely, Republicans win control of the chamber in November's elections. Lawmakers seldom step aside with such opportunities looming.
But his decision comes as Trump has remained a dominant force in the GOP, retaining the fealty of many lawmakers and threatening to use party primaries to depose those who cross him.
Now serving his fourth House term, Katko released a statement saying it was time to 鈥渆njoy my family and life in a fuller and more present way."
While his statement made no reference to Trump, he also said, 鈥淢y conscience, principles, and commitment to do what鈥檚 right have guided every decision I鈥檝e made as a Member of Congress, and they guide my decision today.鈥�
Kakto faced a backlash from Republicans after voting to impeach Trump over his role in inciting supporters to attack the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as lawmakers were certifying his presidential reelection defeat.
A former federal prosecutor, Katko faced at least one primary challenger in his district, which is centered around Syracuse, N.Y. New York is redrawing its congressional district lines to reflect the 2020 Census, and its new boundaries are uncertain.
Katko became the 12th House Republican to announce they鈥檙e not seeking reelection in 2022. So far 26 House Democrats have said they are retiring after this year.
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Villeneuve reported from Albany, New York.
Alan Fram And Marina Villeneuve, The Associated Press
