Jon Runyan Will Not Seek Re-Election in 2014

Roll Call ^

[ClaytonP]

Runyan is a Republican from New Jersey. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call File Photo)

Updated 10:51 a.m. | Rep. Jon Runyan, R-N.J., announced on Wednesday that he will not seek re-election in the Garden State’s 3rd District, creating an unexpected opening in a competitive district for 2014.

“After a great deal of thought and discussions with my family, I have decided not to seek re- election in 2014,” Runyan said in a statement. “Politics shouldn’t be a career and I never intended to make it one.”

The two-term Republican is one of 17 members of the House GOP caucus to represent a district President Barack Obama carried in 2012. Obama won the district with 52 percent in last year, but Runyan won re-election with 54 percent.

That status should make Runyan’s district a top target for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which needs to pick up 17 seats to win the majority in the House.

Burlington County Freeholder and attorney Aimee Belgard is currently the only Democrat running for the seat, located in the Philadelphia suburbs.

The Star-Ledger and the Burlington County Times first reported the news of Runyan’s retirement.

New Jersey’s 3rd District is currently rated a Safe Republican contest by Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call.

[Olog-hai]

Another GOP candidate to run for this office that Christie won’t support?

[Slyfox]

“Politics shouldn’t be a career and I never intended to make it one.”

Sounds like a statesman to me.

[forgotten man]

He was an NFL lineman for a long time. I think he finished his career with the Chargers. They should re-sign him. With the crappy offensive line the Chargers have now Runyan could be a starter.

[Red Badger]

Obama won the district with 52 percent in last year, but Runyan won re-election with 54 percent.

Split ticket voters or a lot of No Romney No Way voters?..................

[Red Badger]

He’s from New Jersey. The Giants need him.................