Longtime Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-Palo Alto) announced Tuesday morning that she will not seek re-election after serving more than three decades in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In a video posted on social media, Eshoo, who turns 81 next month, said she makes the announcement with a “heart filled with unending gratitude” to her constituents.
The congresswoman started her political career on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in 1982 and served for a decade before being elected to the U.S House of Representatives in 1992.
“As the first woman and the first Democrat to ever represent our district, I’m very proud of the body of bi-partisan work I’ve been able to achieve on your behalf in Congress,” Eshoo said. “Sixty-six of my bills have been signed into law by five presidents, including the preservation of lands here at home, landmark advancements in women’s health, the creation of two federal agencies to promote research and development — one to advance biotechnology and one to pursue cures to the deadliest disease we have yet to concur.”
Eshoo currently serves as a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and as a member of the Health Subcommittee where she helped write part of the Affordable Care Act.
In her retirement message, Eshoo said that “over all the years my legislation and my votes have reflected the values of my constituents, strengthen our democracy, protect our national security, perfect our union by making it fairer for all and build an economy that lifts up everyone.”
The congresswoman was last elected in 2022 and her term ends January 2025. Her 16th District encompasses parts of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties including Atherton, Menlo Park, Pacifica, Mountain View, Saratoga, Los Gatos and parts of San Jose.
In her last year, Eshoo said she will “continue my work with vigor and unswerving commitment” to her constituents.
— Rep. Anna G. Eshoo (@RepAnnaEshoo) November 21, 2023
