Watch CBS News

East Bay Rep. Jerry McNerney Latest Not To Seek Re-Election To Congress In 2022

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY (CBS SF) – East Bay Rep. Jerry McNerney announced Tuesday that he is not seeking-re-election in 2022, joining more than two dozen Democrats who plan to leave Congress after the midterm elections.

"I am honored that the citizens of California's 9th Congressional District chose me as their representative in the past five elections, and that those in California's previous 11th Congressional District gave me the privilege of representing them for three terms," said McNerney, whose district covers parts of eastern Contra Costa County, along with San Joaquin and Sacramento counties.

In his retirement statement, McNerney noted his accomplishments in office including the creation of a veteran's health center facility in San Joaquin County. He also noted with investments in infrastructure, public safety, broadband, education, childcare, and healthcare access.

Rep. Jerry McNerney
Representative Jerry McNerney (D-CA) speaking at Politico's "Unlocking The AI Data Puzzle In Federal Government" conference in Washington, DC. (Photo by Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

A former energy consultant and CEO of a wind power startup, McNerney first ran for Congress in 2004 in the 11th Congressional District, which at the time covered parts of Alameda, Contra Costa, San Joaquin and Santa Clara counties. McNerney lost 61-39% against incumbent Richard Pombo.

In 2006, McNerney again faced off against Pombo, who was heavily favored by pollsters at the time. McNerney defeated the Republican incumbent, in an election that swept Democrats into control of Congress and made Nancy Pelosi the first female Speaker of the House. He has won re-election seven times since.

During his time in office, McNerney has served on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce and the House Committee on Science, Space & Technology.

"I am grateful for the love and support of my family, who have been by my side throughout this journey. I could not have done this without them," McNerney said. "I will keep working for the people of my district throughout the remainder of my term and look forward to new opportunities to continue to serve."

Speaker Pelosi issued a statement in response to McNerney's upcoming retirement, calling him "a devoted champion for his Northern California community and our nation."

"As a senior Member on Energy & Commerce with deep expertise in energy, Congressman McNerney has fought relentlessly to move our nation closer to a clean energy future.  And, with a PhD in mathematics, he has served as a valued and knowledgeable voice on the Science, Space, and Technology Committee," Pelosi went on to say.

The speaker also noted McNerney's commitment to veterans.

"Whether advancing treatments for Servicemembers with traumatic brain injury, fighting to protect benefits for veterans during government shutdowns or holding accountable the leadership of the Department of Veterans Affairs, he has been a fierce fighter to ensure our nation lives up to its promise to our military communities," Pelosi said.

McNerney joins at least 26 congressional Democrats who have decided not to seek re-election, including Rep. Jackie Speier of San Mateo, who announced late last year that she would retire after 14 years in Congress.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.