WASHINGTON (AP) – Rep. Steve Israel of New York, a member of the House Democratic leadership in his eighth term in Congress, said Tuesday he will retire at the end of this year. “Simply put, it’s time to pass on the torch,” Israel said in a statement announcing the unexpected move.
Israel, 57, is a top ally to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California, and serves as her chair of policy and communications, a position she created for him.
He’s among those seen as a possible successor to Pelosi. But in a statement Israel said it is time to pursue new passions and develop new interests, and spend more time writing his second novel, a satire about the gun lobby.
He said that by retiring in a presidential election year he will help ensure that his district stays in Democratic hands because of the high Democratic turnout in a presidential year. Israel represents northern Long Island and eastern Queens, and his district is narrowly divided between Democratic and Republican voters.
“It has been an incredible and humbling opportunity to serve my community. I am grateful to my family, friends, staff, and most of all – the people of New York,” Israel said. “While I will miss this place and the people I have had the privilege to serve, I am looking forward to spending more time home and frequenting my beloved New York diners. Simply put, it’s time to pass on the torch.”