CNN -Rep. Dan Kildee, a Democrat from Michigan, said on Thursday that he will not run for office again in the upcoming year due to his recent cancer struggle.
Everybody has moments in their lives when they reevaluate their own destiny and course. Being told I had cancer earlier this year was one of those occasions for me. Thankfully, I had a successful surgery earlier this year, and I’m cancer-free,” he declared in a press release.
Kildee revealed his diagnosis of squamous cell cancer in March. A little malignant tumour in his tonsil was surgically removed in April. He clarified on Thursday that the experience has caused him to reevaluate his goals moving ahead.
In the end, choosing to run for office is a personal choice. Making this choice was also not simple. But I’m confident that it’s the best choice for my family and me,” he continued.
Kildee, the co-chair of the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, is the most recent member of the House to declare that they will not be participating in the highly competitive race that takes place next year. Republicans may be able to increase their razor-thin majority in the House if he is not there.
The Michigan congressman has been “an unremitting champion for legislation to lower costs, create jobs, and grow the economy,” according to a statement released by Democratic Whip Katherine Clark on Thursday. She also noted that the congressman “brought Democrats and Republicans together, securing $100 million to replace lead pipes and expand residents’ access to health care.”
“Dan’s friendship, leadership, and dedication have made me feel so very thankful. House Democrats expressed their sincere sadness for him and their best wishes for him and his family.
Kildee, who was first elected in 2012, is the representative for Michigan’s 8th Congressional District.