Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer to Retire from Congress After Nearly Three Decades

Blumenauer, known for advocacy on issues like public transportation, housing, and marijuana reforms, has served roughly two-thirds of his life in public service and plans to continue his mission without "the burden of day-to-day politics."

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) announced he will not seek reelection in 2024, retiring from a nearly three-decade tenure in Congress.
In his public service career spanning half a century, Blumenauer has also served as a state legislator, county commissioner, and city council member in Oregon.
Blumenauer highlighted a wide range of issues throughout his career, including public transportation, housing, sustainability, and marijuana reforms, and served on key committees in Congress, including the House Ways and Means Committee and the Subcommittee on Trade.
He founded the Congressional Bike Caucus, advocating for safer streets and other pro-bicyclist policies, and he was known for his signature bow ties and bike lapel pins.
Blumenauer's retirement is not expected to affect the makeup of his congressional district, which includes Portland and Mount Hood, as it's considered a Democratic stronghold.