Rep. Jerry Lewis (R)
Gone, goodbye:
U.S. Rep. Jerry Lewis, who has represented Inland Southern California in Washington for more than three decades and steered hundreds of millions in federal funds to the fast-changing region, announced Thursday he will step down from Congress at the end of the year.
“After months of consultation with loved ones and family, my wife Arlene and I have decided to retire from public life,” Lewis, R-Redlands said in a statement. “We are deeply grateful to so many who have provided their support over the years. I have worked hard to justify that support. Thank you all and may God continue to bless America.”
Just two days ago, a Lewis spokesman said his boss would announce his plans next week. Yet for whatever reason, after keeping the political world waiting for months, Lewis evidently decided he couldn't hold off any longer. With this news, he becomes the third California Republican to retire in less than a week, following on the heels of Elton Gallegly and Wally Herger.
The 79-year-old Lewis was grumpy about redistricting, but he could easily have sought reelection in the redrawn 8th CD, seeing as he currently represents 62 percent of its constituents. What's more, it's a good district for a Republican: It went for John McCain by a 55-42 margin. But Lewis was unhappy that his home was placed into the much bluer 31st, and he also has been on the outs with his party's leadership for quite some time. Throw in Lewis's age and many observers figured retirement was the likeliest bet—and so here we are.
So what happens next? In the 8th, the action is mostly going to be on the Republican side, where San Bernardino County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt and Assemblyman Paul Cook are both very likely to run. The swingier 31st is also open, and Redlands Mayor Pete Aguilar, a Democrat, just declared his intention to seek the seat. State Sen. Bob Dutton, and San Bernardino County District Attorney Mike Ramos could get in on the GOP side, though it's not inconceivable that Republican Rep. David Dreier, a redistricting victim without a good place to seek reelection, could make a last stand here. No matter what, though, the 31st District is a key Democratic pickup opportunity and a race to watch.