Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson announces retirement after nearly 30 years in Congress
U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Dallas) announced Saturday afternoon that after nearly three decades in Congress, she will not seek reelection.
“I have gone back and forth … the whole time because of the pleading and the asking, but as of January … the year after next, I will step down,” the Texas Tribune reported that Johnson said during a Dallas news conference. “I will retire, and let me assure that, I will also recommend to you whom I feel is the best to follow me.”
Johnson did not endorse any candidate Saturday, but said she hopes a woman will succeed her.
“Anyone who has already been rejected in this district will not be getting my endorsement,” Johnson said.
The 85-year-old Waco native was the first Black woman elected into Dallas public office in 1972. She was the first African-American and woman to chair the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology and first nurse elected to the U.S. Congress. The Congresswoman has served 15 terms.
Johnson has authored, and co-authored nearly 200 bills that were signed into law. She is also the founder of the Diversity & Innovation Caucus, the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Homelessness Caucus, co-chair of the Congressional Lupus Caucus, and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus of Bosnia.
This story was originally published November 20, 2021 at 1:05 PM.
