NEW YORK _ Rep. Pete King, the dean of the New York Republican congressional delegation, announced his retirement on Monday in a new blow to already slim GOP hopes of retaking the House of Representatives.
King, 75, became the latest in a flood of Republican departures, saying in a Facebook post that he would not run for a 15th term representing a district that has been trending more Democratic in recent years.
"I intend to ... be active politically and look forward to seeing what opportunities and challenges await me in this next chapter of a very fortunate life," King wrote.
King, a conservative member of the GOP establishment, vowed to vote against President Donald Trump's impeachment and to support his re-election bid. Still, other Republicans have become significantly more outspoken about Trump's misdeeds after they have decided to leave office.
King boasted that he could've won reelection next year, noting that he has a $1 million campaign war chest and his "poll numbers are better than ever.
The suburban district will be hotly contested by both parties as Democrats will view it as a prime pick-up opportunity as swing districts with high numbers of educated voters revolt against Trump.
King beat little known Liuba Grechen Shirley by just 6% in 2018 after romping to easy victories in previous elections.
Even before King's decision, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee had already included his district on a list of "targeted districts."
King becomes the 16th GOP representative to throw in the towel as lawmakers grapple with the new reality of being in the minority with little hope of regaining control soon.
King is one of just six Republicans in New York's 27-member congressional delegation. Lee Zeldin is the only other GOP-er representing a district south of Albany.
King, who grew up in Queens, is an outspoken advocate for peace in Northern Ireland.
