Texas Rep. Lloyd Doggett is retiring, closing nearly five decades of public service in state and national politics.
The longtime Democratic lawmaker, 79, announced Friday that he will step away from Congress after the Supreme Court cleared the way for Texas to use a new GOP-drawn congressional map. Doggett had previously indicated he might seek another term if courts blocked the map, which merges two Austin-area districts and was widely seen as favoring Republicans. The ruling now sets up a potential primary between Doggett and fellow Democrat Greg Casar, whose district covers parts of East Austin and San Antonio.
Doggett criticized the map as part of former President Donald Trump’s effort to reshape congressional districts mid-decade to benefit House Republicans. “Trump’s racial gerrymandering is only his first major shenanigan designed to win next year’s election and retain a House that poses no restraint to his dangerous whims and incessant drive for unlimited power,” Doggett said, warning of more partisan efforts to come.
A senior member of the Ways and Means and Budget committees, Doggett has championed progressive policies throughout his 34 years in the U.S. House. His career began in the Texas Senate at age 26, followed by a run for U.S. Senate in 1984, a term on the Texas Supreme Court, and election to Congress in 1994. Doggett has been known for taking principled stands, including publicly urging President Joe Biden last year to reconsider a reelection bid after a debate with Trump.
Doggett becomes the first Democrat in Texas to announce a House departure next year, joining six Republicans leaving for various reasons, including retirements and campaigns for higher office.