Congresswoman Bustos won’t seek re-election

WASHINGTON D.C. - U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos will be retiring after serving out her current term in the 17th Congressional District.

Bustos, D-East Moline, has 20 months left in her fifth term and announced today that she won’t be seeking re-election next year.

“It will be a new decade, and I feel it’s time for a new voice,” Bustos said in a 98-second video announcing her retirement. “As for my tenure in Congress, my mission was never defined by the people in the corridors of power in Washington, but by the people in our communities that I’ve been lucky enough to meet along the way.”

Bustos, 59, won a close race against Republican Esther Joy King in November. She serves on the House Appropriations Committee and on the House Committee on Agriculture.

She’s one of three co-chairs of the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee, to which she was appointed after serving as chairwoman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

Her plans for seeking another national or state office in the future were not clear. She mulled a gubernatorial run 4 years ago against former Gov. Bruce Rauner but decided against it.

“As for the next chapter, it has always been my goal to think big and deliver results,” she said. “And in time, I’ll share more on where that will take me, but for now, thank you for your trust, your support and your friendship. God Bless you.”

Her decision comes ahead of redistricting, and Illinois is one of seven states that will lose a House seat next year.

Neighboring 16th District U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon, wished Bustos luck in her next endeavors and acknowledged their working together to advance the region. Both represent parts of the Sauk Valley.

“We’ve worked together over the years to create jobs in Rockford and put the interests of the community first,” he said. “I’ve appreciated her shared commitment to a better political dialogue and her dedication to service.”

Kristina Zahorik, president of the Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association, thanked Bustos for her service and recognized her “Cheri on Shift” program when she would tour her district as well as her work with the “Build the Bench” series where hundreds of Democratic candidates underwent training for office throughout the state.

“Cheri Bustos is a genuine and caring person. Her commitment to her district is unparalleled, particularly to the hard-working middle class and rural communities,” she said. “On behalf of all 102 County Democratic Party Chairs, I would like to personally thank Cheri for her service and commitment to Illinois.”

“We are grateful for her leadership and look forward to seeing what she has in store next.”

Bustos was first elected in 2012, defeating U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling, R-Colona, who died earlier this month.

The 17th District includes parts of Peoria, Tazewell and Winnebago counties, and all of Whiteside, Carroll, Fulton, Henderson, Henry, Jo Daviess, Knox, Mercer, Rock Island, Stephenson and Warren counties.

The video announcement can be found here.