BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) – U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, a Republican who represents Louisiana, said Friday he will not run for reelection after a new congressional map dismantled his district and transformed it into the state’s second majority-Black district.
Until now, the congressman, one of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s closest allies, had remained adamant he would run again. But on Friday he explained his change of heart in a written statement.
“After much input from voters, consultation with supporters, consensus from family and guidance from the Almighty, it is clear that running for Congress this year does not make sense,” said Graves of Baton Rouge.
The lawmaker further said that a run in a “temporary district” would “do lasting damage to Louisiana’s large representation in Congress.”
“This has been an amazing experience that has resulted in thousands of new friendships and unparalleled progress for the area we represent,” he continued. “In this divisive and politically polarized environment, the fact that we received more than 80 percent of the vote in the last election confirms that we got it largely right. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.”
Graves’ departure paves the way for an open race in the new 6th District, where Democratic Sen. Cleo Fields of Baton Rouge has already declared his candidacy and current 5th District Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow of Start all but guarantees an easy ride . road to re-election.
