Longtime Democrat Won’t Seek Re-Election
California Democratic Rep. Julia Brownley announced Tuesday that she will not seek re-election after serving seven terms in Congress, becoming the latest Democrat to head for the exits ahead of this year’s high-stakes midterm elections.
Brownley’s retirement adds to a rapidly growing list of House lawmakers deciding not to run again as political pressure intensifies in Washington and both parties brace for a fierce battle over control of Congress.
More than three dozen House members have already announced plans to retire or leave office before the upcoming midterms, signaling major instability inside Congress as President Donald Trump pushes forward with an aggressive second-term agenda.
Brownley becomes the second California House Democrat this year to announce plans not to seek another term.
The congresswoman currently represents California’s 26th Congressional District, which includes most of Ventura County along with portions of Los Angeles County.
The district became significantly more favorable to Democrats following California’s post-redistricting map changes, which Republicans have long criticized as a partisan gerrymander designed to strengthen Democratic control.
“Serving our community and our country has been the honor of my lifetime,” Brownley said in a statement announcing her departure.
“Every step of this journey has been shaped by the people I represent, by their resilience, their determination, and their belief that government can and should work for the common good,” she added.
Brownley also highlighted several progressive policy priorities she championed during her time in Congress.
“Together, we have expanded access to affordable health care, strengthened support for veterans and their families, protected our natural resources, confronted the climate crisis, and fought for working families,” she said.
Conservatives have long criticized Brownley as one of the more reliable liberal votes inside the House Democratic Caucus, particularly on climate policy, government spending, and federal expansion initiatives.
“We have helped thousands of constituents navigate the federal government, returned millions in earned benefits, and never lost sight of the simple truth that public service is about showing up for people when they need help the most,” Brownley continued.
“With another year remaining in my term, I will continue working every day to deliver results for our region, advance legislation that improves the lives and livelihoods of people in my district and across our country, and stand up for the values and priorities my constituents sent me here to defend,” she declared.
Brownley also attempted to strike an optimistic tone despite growing political divisions across the country.
“Despite the immense challenges we are currently facing, I remain deeply optimistic about the future of our country,” she said.
“The American experiment has endured not because it is perfect, but because generations of Americans continue to believe in it and work to make it more just, more equal, and more reflective of those it serves,” she added.
“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have played a part in that work, and I know we will learn from this moment in time how to shore up our democracy to make it even stronger for the generations that will follow,” Brownley wrote.
Brownley also expressed confidence that Democrats could eventually reclaim control of the House under Hakeem Jeffries.
“I am particularly pleased that I will leave the House with Hakeem Jeffries as Speaker. I am confident that he will lead Congress with integrity, with purpose, with resolve, and with a clear vision for the future,” Brownley said.
“While I will not be in Congress, I will remain in the fight, fighting for a better and brighter future,” she added.
The congresswoman did not provide a specific reason for her retirement decision.
Meanwhile, speculation over her replacement has already begun inside California Democratic circles.
Jacqui Irwin told reporters she is actively exploring a run for Brownley’s now-open congressional seat.
“I am the most obvious person to run for that seat,” Irwin said after California Gov. Gavin Newsom delivered his State of the State address.
Jeffries also issued a lengthy statement praising Brownley’s career after the announcement became public.
“Congresswoman Julia Brownley is a principled public servant and an incredible advocate for the communities that she so ably represents in Ventura and Los Angeles counties,” Jeffries said.
“Brownley’s career has been defined by a commitment to making life better for others,” he added.
Jeffries specifically highlighted Brownley’s work on legislation tied to veterans and military families.
“She has been an incredible advocate for our veterans, service members and military families, particularly our women veterans. She led passage of the Female Veterans Suicide Prevention Act and the Deborah Sampson Act, critical pieces of legislation supporting the women who have bravely served our nation in uniform,” Jeffries continued.
“Rep. Brownley will be missed by the House Democratic Caucus and we wish her and her family the very best in this new chapter,” he concluded.
Brownley’s retirement announcement comes as Republicans increasingly express confidence about expanding their House majority during the midterms, especially as several longtime Democrats decide to step aside amid mounting political uncertainty.