U.S. Representative Mike Doyle (D-PA) announced Thursday he will not run for re-election in 2022 and retire at the end of his current term.
The 68-year-old said redistricting will likely push part of the district outside of Allegheny County, which made him feel like it's time to hand the position to the next generation.
"The district deserves to hear from a robust field of candidates, and I want to make sure potential candidates have enough time to fundraise and put their platform in front of the voters," he said. "There are many people who might not consider running if they thought I was going to run, so I want to give them the time and opportunity to do so."
He also said the pandemic accelerated his thoughts about retirement.
Doyle was first elected in 1994 and is the most senior member of Pennsylvania's congressional district.
"I want to thank the people of Pittsburgh, the best people in the world, for giving me the opportunity to serve you in Congress over these many years," he said. "It’s truly been a joy as well as an honor and a privilege to have the chance to serve this community, which I love from the bottom of my heart, in the U.S. House of Representatives."
Doyle's retirement is expected to ignite a fierce political battle to replace him.
State Rep. Summer Lee (D-18) announced on social media Tuesday morning she will run for the Democratic nomination for Doyle's seat.
"I'm ready to bring the fight I've been in my whole life to Washington," she said in a video. "From organizing for environmental justice, to becoming the first Black woman elected to the State House from Western Pennsylvania, I've learned a valuable lesson. The rich get richer and we get sicker until the day we realize we outnumber them."
Lee says she supports the Green New Deal, Medicare for all and racial justice.
Swissvale attorney and law professor Jerry Dickinson announced in April he is also running for the Democratic nomination. Dickinson lost to Doyle in the 2020 primary.