ICYMI: Congress Celebrates NDC Chair Annie Kuster Following Retirement Announcement
Following New Democrat Coalition Chair Annie Kuster’s (NH-02) announcement yesterday that she will not seek re-election in 2024, lawmakers from across the Capitol applauded Chair Kuster for her tireless work to deliver for her constituents and the American people over her 12 years of service in Congress.
Read a full round-up of praise for Chair Kuster’s time in Congress as well as articles about Chair Kuster’s announcement below:
Statements
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries:
“A champion for the Granite State, Annie Kuster has exemplified her family’s generations-long legacy of service to the people of New Hampshire and our country.
“Annie has always been an authentic fighter for the communities she represents, addressing their challenges and struggles with intellect, compassion and persistence in order to bring about meaningful change. The Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, Annie has ably led one of the largest ideological caucuses in the House, spearheading their efforts to ensure we build an economy that works for every American. As the substance abuse and mental health crisis increasingly ravaged the country, Annie rolled up her sleeves and co-founded the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force. A brave survivor of sexual assault, Annie started the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence. When the heroes of the “Ghost Army” received their long overdue Congressional Gold Medal last week, Annie was beaming with pride, having championed the bipartisan effort as the daughter of a decorated World War II veteran.
“The common thread in Annie’s rich Congressional record is her incredible ability to bring people together and build bipartisan bridges in order to solve problems. A classmate and true friend of mine, Annie has been a tremendous source of strength to me and countless others in the House Democratic Caucus family. She will be sorely missed in the next Congress. I wish her and her family the best in this new chapter.”
House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark:
“Annie Kuster is a model of kind, devoted, results-first public service. I am profoundly grateful for all she has brought to Washington — as a highly effective advocate for New Hampshire, as a champion for women in the halls of power, and as a dear friend since my earliest days in the Capitol.
“Every Member of our House Democratic Caucus has benefited from having Annie as a colleague. Whether leading the charge against the opioid crisis or lending a voice to survivors of sexual assault, she has strengthened our fight for a healthier, safer, more just country. And amid rising extremism across the aisle, she has ensured the New Democrats remain a force for finding common ground and getting things done on behalf of the American people.
“While Annie’s colleagues will miss her wise counsel, warm humor, and generous friendship, the work she has done here will continue to reverberate in New Hampshire and across the country for generations to come. I will miss Annie dearly, and I’m truly grateful for her service and friendship."
DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene:
“Annie Kuster has been a tireless champion for the people of New Hampshire. During her time in Congress and as chair of the New Democrat Coalition, she’s been a beacon for common-sense solutions to create good jobs, fight the opioid epidemic, and expand access to mental health care. She’s a leading voice in Congress for survivors of sexual assault – fighting for legislation to support them and ensure that collectively our nation continues to have the important conversations that center the fight for the safety and wellbeing of survivors.
“Her record of public service and delivering for New Hampshire is unmatched. I am constantly in awe of and inspired by her courage and will miss her as a colleague and friend. With her help, I’m confident that this seat will remain in Democratic hands so that Granite Staters can continue having a fighter for them in Congress.”
House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar:
“Few people exemplify a true commitment to delivering real bipartisan solutions for families in New Hampshire and across the country more than my friend, Annie Kuster. As the daughter of a devoted public servant and a Veteran, her time in the People’s House mirrors her roots. Whether in the Energy and Commerce Committee or as Chair of the New Democrat Coalition, Congresswoman Kuster has consistently worked to reach across the aisle whenever possible to improve the lives of everyday Americans by easing their costs, creating better-paying jobs and boosting the economy.
“Even in the midst of unprecedented political gridlock, she has time and again prioritized putting forth bipartisan solutions and blueprints to expand opportunities for the middle class. New Hampshire is better off because of her dedication to bridging divides and serving with a true desire to do right by her friends and neighbors. The House Democratic Caucus is grateful for her many years of service, and we look forward to working with her as she finishes her term.”
Rep. Steny Hoyer (MD-05):
“For six terms, Rep. Annie Kuster has been a tireless advocate for families, workers, and businesses across the Granite State. Today, I was sad to learn that she will not seek a seventh. Whether it's her recent leadership of the New Democrats or her long record of bipartisan success, she's left an indelible mark on Capitol Hill. Although I will be sad to see my dear friend leave at the 118th Congress, I know that her service to her state and country will continue long into the future.
“I've admired Annie's character, intellect, and sound judgment ever since she was elected to Congress in 2012. She has been an invaluable partner in advancing my Make It In America agenda, which I launched in 2010 to ensure that the American economy can meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. I had the pleasure of traveling to New Hampshire with her in 2013 to see how those policies were helping family-owned businesses in her state get ahead. Her constituents' respect and trust for their Congresswoman was plain to see. They knew Annie would do whatever – and work with whomever – necessary to address the issues facing her community. Indeed, Annie worked in a bipartisan fashion not only to support the Make It In America agenda but also to create the Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force to address the opioid crisis.
“Annie's aptitude for building consensus is rooted in her own authenticity. From speaking on the House Floor about her experiences as a survivor of sexual assault to sharing openly about the trauma so many of us felt on January 6, she was never afraid to express her personal perspective on key issues and to give her colleagues the chance to do the same. We need more people like Annie in Congress today. Just as her leadership will continue, I know that her work to elevate similar voices for reason and consensus will as well.”
Social Posts
Rep. Ami Bera (CA-06): “@RepAnnieKuster and I were both first elected to Congress in 2012. Over the years, I’ve come to know Annie as a dedicated public servant and relentless fighter for working families. I’m proud to call her my friend and wish her the best in her retirement.”
Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13): “For more than a decade, @RepAnnieKuster has been a force for progress in the House of Representatives, and I've been so fortunate to see her leadership up close on the @NewDemCoalition. Annie, you're an incredible mentor to me and I wish you all the best in your next chapter!”
Rep. Andre Carson (IN-07): “As @NewDemCoalition Chair, @RepAnnieKuster fought for common ground – even in the face of partisan chaos. While her presence in Congress will be missed, I'm confident her work to advance a better future will only continue to grow. Thank you, Congresswoman!”
Rep. Veronica Escobar (TX-16): “@RepAnnieKuster has been a fantastic representative; her steadfast leadership of @NewDemCoalition has made our group stronger than ever. I will always be grateful for her friendship. Wishing you the absolute best on a well-deserved retirement!”
Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH): “Congresswoman Kuster has worked tirelessly to protect women’s reproductive rights, address the opioid epidemic in our state and provide support for survivors of sexual violence. Our New Hampshire delegation will miss her. I wish her and her family the best in their next chapter.”
Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH): “Thank you @RepAnnieKuster for all you have done for the people of New Hampshire. You've made the Granite State a better place, including through your efforts to combat the fentanyl crisis and to support survivors of sexual violence. It’s been an honor to serve with you.”
Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51): “I’m going to miss you so much, @RepAnnieKuster! You’ve been an amazing friend and mentor – starting when we were trapped together on January 6th and every day since. Thank you for everything!”
Rep. Jennifer McClellan (VA-04): “From my first day in office, @RepAnnieKuster was a supportive and welcoming friend. I commend her on her incredible leadership of the @NewDemCoalition and her tireless work on behalf of New Hampshire’s Second District and wish her the best in her next endeavor.”
Rep. Chris Pappas (NH-01): “It has been a real honor to serve with my friend @RepAnnieKuster. Annie is a trailblazer and a leader who always puts Granite Staters first. I’m grateful for her support and leadership during our time together in Congress, and I wish her all the best as she moves forward.”
Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07): “@RepAnnieKuster is a true public servant, and has been a personal mentor & hero of mine here in Congress—especially her work to address the opioid epidemic. We are lucky to have leaders like her serving our nation and she will be deeply missed.”
Rep. Chellie Pingree (ME-01): “I’ve worked w/ @RepAnnieKuster for more than a decade. She’s led the fight to address the opioid crisis + is a powerful voice for survivors of sexual assault. She’s also a champion for ag + forestry. Above all, she is a dear friend who I and so many others will miss in the House.”
Rep. Jamie Raskin (MD-08): “Really going to miss my beloved friend @RepAnnieKuster when she leaves Congress & I knew something was up because she’s been acting extremely happy recently! But I know she will always be in the fight for mental health, against sexual violence & for an economy that works for all.”
Rep. Hillary Scholten (MI-03): “I’m so grateful for my friend @RepAnnieKuster’s guidance and support as well as her leadership of the @NewDemCoalition. Her wisdom and presence will be greatly missed here in Congress. We’ll cherish every minute of this year!
Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04): “I’ve been fortunate to work with such a thoughtful & collaborative leader as @RepAnnieKuster. She's been an outstanding Chair of the @NewDemCoalition & it's been an honor to serve alongside her. I look forward to working with her for the rest of this Congress & wish her the best.”
Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03): “I have been incredibly fortunate to call @RepAnnieKuster not just a colleague, but a dear friend. She is a shining example of the power of women supporting women. Like so many, I’m grateful for her relentless commitment to advancing real results for working families.”
Rep. David Trone (MD-06): “@RepAnnieKuster is an incredibly committed public servant, and I am honored to call her a dear friend. I'm sure her extraordinary work helping those fighting mental illnesses and substance use disorders will not end with her term, and I wish her the best in her next chapter!”
Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33): “Annie and I came to Congress in the same year. I've been proud to call her a friend and work alongside her in the @NewDemCoalition to deliver results for hardworking families in every corner of our country.”
Articles
Politico Inside Congress, Nicholas Wu and Daniella Diaz: About that 46th House retirement 3/27
“As she’d been gearing up for her own reelection while juggling her electoral efforts for the centrist New Democrat coalition and its political arm, she said she ‘suddenly realized, I can’t be in two places at once.’ “’This is a critical moment in our national history. And I want to be there for that. I want to leave everything on the field and elect Hakeem Jeffries the speaker and Katherine Clark as the majority leader,’ she said.”
Punchbowl News: Kuster’s last stand: The N.H. Dem tells us why she’s retiring 3/27
“New Democrat Coalition Chair Annie Kuster (D-N.H.) announced on Wednesday she isn’t running for reelection to the House. But Kuster told us she isn’t checking out and will turn her full attention to making sure Democrats reclaim their majority. ‘Most of the Frontliners are New Dems and most of the seats that we will win back — these 18 seats that Biden won that are held by Republicans — will be won by New Dem candidates,’ Kuster said…I feel as though I can bring something special to helping win back these seats,” Kuster said. “My North Star is Speaker Hakeem Jeffries and Madame Majority Leader Katherine Clark.’”
The Hill, Lauren Sforza: New Democrat Coalition chair won’t seek reelection in November 3/27
“’In the months ahead, I will use my time to help Congress build on the progress we have made and finish the job for the American people. I will continue to lead the New Democrat Coalition to help pass comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to move our country forward,’ she said.
Concord Monitor, Paul Steinhauser: On the trail: Kuster not seeking re-election this year 3/27
“‘We accomplished a lot,’ she said in an interview. ‘We laid out a path for a bipartisan approach. I’m very excited to turn that over to my colleagues, the younger generation, help them realize how they can be effective. They don’t have to wait 20 years for seniority. They can really make a difference in six terms. So that’s a very good feeling.’ Kuster cited her work with the centrist, pro-business caucus known as the New Democrat Coalition, as well her other bipartisan efforts in an increasingly divided Capitol Hill.”
Washington Post, Mariana Alfaro: New Hampshire Democratic Rep. Ann Kuster to retire from Congress 3/27
“Rep. Ann Kuster (D-N.H.), chair of the influential New Democratic Coalition, will not seek reelection this year.” ... “Kuster said that she will spend the next eight months working to help Democrats get elected nationwide, and that she has already contacted the Biden campaign about supporting the president’s reelection effort in New Hampshire. ‘This is just an existential crisis for our country, we are at a crossroads for democracy,’ she said. ‘Donald Trump is a threat to our democracy, and I want to do every single thing I can to win back the House and hold the White House for Democrats.’”
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