Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a 78-year-old Democrat, has announced that he will not seek reelection in his Texas district if the state’s redistricting proposal is approved, avoiding a potential primary against Rep. Greg Casar. The decision comes amid ongoing debates within the party about aging incumbents and the impact of gerrymandering on congressional races.
Doggett did not clarify whether he would retire from Congress or consider running in another district. The decision could ease tensions within the party over the role of elderly incumbents, a topic that was recently highlighted by Doggett’s criticism of then-President Joe Biden. The current district, which spans over 2/3 of Doggett’s current constituents, may be reconfigured under the new maps approved by the state.
Doggett, who has faced calls to step aside, has not ruled out running in his current district if the maps are rejected, though his office has not provided further clarification. Casar’s spokesperson has remained unresponsive to media inquiries about the situation. The issue has also drawn attention from progressive activists, with David Hogg’s super PAC indicating support for Casar if a primary is forced, adding to the political tension within the party.