Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves won’t run for reelection
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, who represents Louisiana District 6, confirmed he will not be seeking reelection Friday afternoon.
Graves previously said he was undecided on which district he would run in after a Supreme Court decision on Louisiana’s congressional map.
In a June 14 statement, he called representing South Louisiana an honor, adding that running for reelection “does not make sense.”
“It is evident that a run in any temporary district will cause actual permanent damage to Louisiana’s great representation in Congress. Campaigning in any of these districts now is not fair to any of the Louisianians who will inevitably be tossed into yet another district next year,” he said.
Election day is set for Nov. 5. Qualifying is set for July 17-19.
Read Graves’ full statement below.
“Representing South Louisiana and serving in the United States Congress has been an incredible honor. From the beginning and ever since, we have constantly emphasized that our decisions and actions are grounded in what’s best for Louisianians first and foremost. Our accomplishments confirm the steadfast commitment to this objective.
“After much input from constituents, consultation with supporters, consensus from family, and guidance from the Almighty, it is clear that running for Congress this year does not make sense. It is evident that a run in any temporary district will cause actual permanent damage to Louisiana’s great representation in Congress. Campaigning in any of these districts now is not fair to any of the Louisianians who will inevitably be tossed into yet another district next year.
“The consequences of redistricting will affect Louisiana’s first opportunity in history to chair the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This committee is the throttle for federal action on traffic, bridges, railroads and airports – and Louisiana priorities like ports and Mississippi River commerce, coastal and hurricane and flood protection, disaster response and recovery, national defense and Coast Guard, economic development and more. Admittedly, it is a serious disappointment to miss the historic opportunity to champion Louisiana’s priorities in this committee.
“This has been an amazing experience resulting in thousands of new friendships and unrivaled progress for the area we represent. In this divisive and politically-polarized environment, to receive over 80 percent of the vote in the last election confirms that we were getting it mostly right. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
“We remain committed to getting unjust Social Security penalties removed, finishing the duplication of benefits fix for remaining disaster victims and other priorities. We will continue our superior constituent services, connecting Veterans to their deserved benefits, restoring Social Security earnings to retirees, fighting back a ravenous IRS, securing capital for growing businesses and delivering disaster assistance to flood and storm victims, among other priorities.”
U.S. Rep. Garret Graves
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