Rep. Dale Kildee to retire after 18 terms

Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Mich.) will not seek reelection, the congressman announced Friday.

Kildee's retirement comes after serving 18 terms in office. He was first elected to Congress in 1976.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to retire at the end of this term to enjoy more time with my wife, three children and ten grandchildren," Kildee said in a statement. 

Kildee cited redistricting in his reasoning to not seek another term. He said that he was sure his district would stay in Democratic control. Michigan lost one House seat after the 2010 Census.

"Now that the new congressional maps have been approved by the Michigan State Legislature, I am confident that the 5th district will remain in Democratic hands and that it is an appropriate time to announce my retirement. While I know I would be able to win re-election in the new 5th district, I’ve decided that after 36 years in Congress it is time to retire."

Kildee's retirement ends almost 50 years in public service.

"It has been my honor and privilege to work for the people of Michigan in the Michigan State Legislature and the United States Congress for the past forty seven years," Kildee said.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Rep. Steve Israel (D-N.Y.) expressed confidence that Democrats would keep control of Kildee's seat.

“On behalf of the DCCC, I thank Dale Kildee for his distinguished service in the House," Israel said in a statement. "This is a strong Democratic district and we look forward to electing a Democrat next November who will represent middle class families and fight against the Republican plan to end Medicare.” 

-- This post was updated at 6:19 p.m.

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