Calling it Quits: Arizona Congressman Ed Pastor Retiring

After more than two decades in the United States House of Representatives, 70-year-old Edward Lopez Pastor (D-AZ), says he’s retiring.

Paastor’s office released a statement today saying, “I’ve been in public office for 39 years and it’s been a pleasure to serve the people of Arizona. After 23 in Congress, I feel it’s time for me to seek out a new endeavor. It’s been a great honor, a great experience and a great joy for me to serve in Congress. I think it’s time for me to do something else.”

Congressman Pastor makes 19 Congressional Democrats retiring from office ahead of the midterm campaign season. At the time of posting, there are 20 House Republicans who have said they won’t seek reelection according to RollCall’s Casualty List.

photo credit AP