Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), a podiatric surgeon who became a significant public voice during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced he will retire at the end of his term.
During his final years in office, Rep. Wenstrup, first elected in 2012, made a significant effort to uncover the origins of the pandemic. In announcing his retirement on X, he promised to “help reveal the facts about the origins of COVID” before he leaves office in 2025.
“On the Intelligence Committee, I’ll continue to work to preserve the safety and security of our nation… And as Chairman of the Select Subcommittee of the Coronavirus Pandemic, I’ll help reveal the facts about the origins of Covid. This work will help our nation predict, prepare for, and possibly prevent the next pandemic,” he said.
Wenstrup, however, said that his time serving the public has begun to take a toll on his family and personal life, contributing to his decision to retire.
“Sadly, all too often the frantic pace of Washington has kept me away from our home,” he said. “I’m just a fortunate guy who’s been blessed with a fortunate wife and two wonderful children under the age of 11.”
Rep. Wenstrup joins Reps. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Brian Higgins (D-NY) who are deciding to end their time in America’s capitol. While their retirements will shake up plans on both sides of the aisle to secure a majority in next year’s elections, none of those representatives are in competitive districts.
While Republicans currently hold a five-seat advantage, it’s difficult to predict which party will control the chamber in 2025 and beyond.
In addition, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced that he would be retiring Thursday, dealing a major blow to President Joe Biden’s plans to keep Democrats in charge of the Senate, should he win reelection in 2024.
Manchin, a Democrat who has repeatedly sided with Republicans in votes, has almost certainly given the seat away to Republicans, who have secured a top-tier recruit with Gov. Jim Justice, a popular figure in his home state of West Virginia.
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