A Louisiana Republican said Friday afternoon he won't seek re-election after his own party drew a new map that hampered his chances to win.
Rep. Garret Graves, who represents the Baton Rouge area, said Friday that representing South Louisiana was "an incredible honor." In explaining his decision not to run again, Graves said in a statement: "After much input from constituents, consultation with supporters, consensus from family, and guidance from the Almighty, it is clear that running for Congress this year does not make sense."
Graves previously said he would seek reelection in either the new 6th District or another district. However, he switched course Friday and said running in a temporary district would cause "actual permanent damage" to the state's congressional representation.
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"Campaigning in any of these districts now is not fair to any of the Louisianians who will inevitably be tossed into yet another district next year," he said.
The announcement comes after Nola.com reported he received advice — and warnings — about which districts to run for this year. He reportedly said he planned to run, but wouldn't say where. Two of the six available districts are held by major party leaders: House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Jefferson and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Benton.
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Graves's announcement opens the door in the new 6th District. Democratic state Sen. Cleo Fields is running in that race. In the 5th District, Republican Rep. Julia Letlow is now all but certain to win re-election.
His is the latest in a series of Republican resignations which put the party's razor-thin majority in the House in jeopardy.