CONCORD, N.H. – Representative Annie M. Kuster announced Wednesday morning that she will not seek reelection in November.
The Hopkinton Democrat has served six terms in the US House of Representatives for New Hampshire’s 2nd congressional district. She was first elected to Congress in 2012 and began serving in the role in 2013.
“As I look to the future, I am excited by the work and opportunities that lie ahead,” Kuster said in a statement. “We all have a role to play in standing up for what we believe in, advocating for a better future, and pursuing the change that we want to see. I always said I was not going to stay in Congress forever.”
Her decision, first reported by WMUR, creates the first open race for District 2 in more than a decade. District 2 covers a large swath of the state, encompassing the entire Western border and the northern part of the state. The district also juts into the southern and central part of the state, including Concord and some neighboring towns. In 2022, Kuster defeated Republican Bob Burns by nearly 12 points.
During her time in office, Kuster has worked across the aisle on issues like the substance use crisis. She founded the Bipartisan Mental Health and Substance Use Task Force as well as the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence. She also chairs the New Democrat Coalition, which includes 100 Democrats that aim to work across party lines.
“This work has been many things — rewarding, frustrating, inspiring, and challenging. But, more than anything, it has been an honor,” she said.
She said that she will use the rest of her term to continue serving the people of New Hampshire. “I will continue to lead the New Democrat Coalition to help pass comprehensive, bipartisan legislation to move our country forward,” she said.
The National Republican Congressional Committee responded to the news of Kuster’s departure. “Yet another extreme House Democrat does not want anything to do with running on the same ballot with failure Joe Biden,” said Savannah Viar, a spokesperson for the committee. “Add her to the ever growing list of Democrats fleeing for the exits rather than defend a broken border, rising gas prices and slow economy.”
Some Democrats expressed gratitude for Kuster and praised her work in office.
Congressman Chris Pappas, who represents New Hampshire District 1, said in a statement Wednesday that it had been an honor to serve alongside Kuster, whom he called a trailblazer and respected leader. He commended her “fierce advocacy” on issues important to Granite Staters.
“I know that her work fighting for important priorities is far from over, whether that’s continuing bipartisan collaboration to address addiction and mental health, standing up for reproductive freedom, or safeguarding our democracy,” he said. “I’m personally grateful for Annie’s support and leadership during our time together in Congress, and I wish her all the best as she moves forward.”
Democratic Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts said Kuster will be missed among her colleagues, but her work will continue to reverberate in New Hampshire and around the country.
“I am profoundly grateful for all she has brought to Washington — as a highly effective advocate for New Hampshire, as a champion for women in the halls of power, and as a dear friend since my earliest days in the Capitol,” said Clark.
Kuster’s term ends in January 2025.
This article has been updated to include statements from other lawmakers.
Amanda Gokee can be reached at amanda.gokee@globe.com. Follow her @amanda_gokee.