Rep. Dennis Cardoza To Retire From Congress

WASHINGTON (CBS13) – Long-time San Joaquin Valley politician, Rep. Dennis Cardoza says he is retiring.

Cardoza (D-Merced) announced he will not be running for re-election for Congress today.

"I love the people of the Central Valley, and thank them for the confidence they have placed in me for over 20 years of elective office. While I plan to retire from public service after this term in Congress, I will energetically continue my efforts to improve California as a private citizen," said Cardoza in a statement released from his office in Washington D.C.

Cardoza also commented on the current political climate in the United States.

"The constant focus on 'screamers' and the 'horse race' of elections is smothering useful discourse and meaningful debate of public policy," Cardoza said. "My experience tells me that those who shout the loudest, and give the most speeches, have the fewest good solutions for America's challenges."

Cardoza was first elected to Congress in 2002. Before that, he was a member of the California State Assembly from 1996 to 2002.

He is married to Dr. Kathleen McLoughlin. They have three children.