U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin announced Friday his decision to seek reelection rather than run for U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin’s seat.
The Takoma Park resident said in a lengthy statement, “If these were normal times, I am pretty sure” he would run for Senate. “But these are not normal times and we are still in the fight of our lives for democratic institutions, freedom and basic social progress in America as well as human rights and opportunity for people all over the world.”
Therefore, he plans to continue representing the 8th District and also help Democrats earn “a blowout victory” in 2024. He pledged to mobilize thousands of young Democracy Summer Fellows and raise millions “to fortify and build by Democratic majorities in the House and Senate.”
Seeking reelection is, “I believe the best way for me to make the greatest difference in American politics in 2024,” Raskin wrote. It will enable him to travel “where President Biden, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and other Americans ask” to help Democrats campaign throughout the country.
Currently a member of the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, he hopes to become chair should the House gain a Democratic majority.
His statement took President Donald Trump to task, calling him and others “dangerous forces of authoritarianism” with “no declared policy agenda other than exacting revenge against his enemies.”
Raskin vowed to stand for women’s rights, climate control, gun safety health care and public infrastructure.
“I cannot walk away from the center of this fight in the people’s House and in the country. We are still in the fight of our lives, the fight for democracy and freedom and for the survival of humanity,” he wrote in declaring his intention to seek reelection.
Read his full statement here.
Rep. Jamie Raskin announces he's seeking reelection, won't run for Sen. Cardin's seat @mymcmedia @RepRaskin
— suzanne pollak (@SuzannePollak) July 7, 2023
Jamie Raskin would have made an outstanding United States senator! But I’m thrilled he’ll remain my congressman as he leads the efforts to protect our nation’s democracy and rule of law.
Onward to Democrats retaking the House majority in 2024! pic.twitter.com/rwrWFaKE9a
— Evan Glass (@EvanMGlass) July 7, 2023
