Congresswoman Kathleen Rice won't run for re-election

Four-term Congresswoman Kathleen Rice will not be running for a fifth two-year term. Rice, a Democrat, represents the 4th Congressional District.

“I entered public service 30 years ago and never left,” Rice posted in a statement on Twitter. “It has been the honor of my life to serve as a prosecutor, District Attorney, and US representative in my beloved home state of New York. I have always believed that holding political office is neither destiny nor a right as elected officials, we must give all we have and then know when it is time to allow others to serve.”

“Though I will not be running for reelection to Congress this year," Rice continued, "I will remain focused on protecting our democracy and serving my constituents throughout the rest of my term. As I turn to the next chapter of my own personal and professional story, I do so with profound thanks to the community leaders, colleagues and staff who have lived our shared commitment to service with courage and humility.”

During her time in the House of Representatives, Rice represented her district by aiming to check the rising cost of flood insurance after Hurricane Sandy and obtaining vital grant money for religious-oriented nonprofits to upgrade their security.

"We wanted to thank @Kathleen Rice and her staff for their dedicated service," the Nassau County Young Democrats tweeted. "We appreciate their hard work and the impressive legacy they will leave." 

Rice, 57, of Garden City, serves on the Energy and Commerce, Homeland Security and Veteran's Affairs committees. The 4th C.D. includes communities across central and southern Nassau County.

As the former Nassau County District Attorney, Rice advocated strongly to strengthen drunk driving laws.