Rep. Tony Cárdenas announced Monday he will not seek reelection next year for the 29th Congressional District seat in the San Fernando Valley — on the same day that Assemblywoman Luz Rivas declared her candidacy for the seat and said she was getting Cárdenas’ support.
“Today, I’m announcing I won’t seek reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives, and I will retire at the end of 2024 when this term concludes,” Cárdenas — D-North Hollywood, and the first Latino to represent the Valley in Congress — said in a statement.
“It’s been my honor to humbly serve my community — the incredible people of the Northeast San Fernando Valley. … I am grateful for the community’s trust and support to represent them in the California State Legislature, on the Los Angeles City Council, and the last 11 years as the Congressman of the 29th District.”
The 60-year-old has served 28 years in public service, including 10 years in the U.S. House.
“I believe in the next generation of leaders,” he added. “I am confident that they will break through the extreme partisanship that has impeded progress and get back to delivering for hardworking Americans. The future for the Northeast San Fernando Valley, our state and our country will be in good hands.”
Sen. Alex Padilla joined Cárdenas at a Monday news conference at Andres and Maria Cárdenas Elementary School, named in honor of Cárdenas’ parents — lauding Cárdenas as someone who “stepped up to run for office at a time when Latinos didn’t see ourselves represented in positions of power.”
“His decision to enter public service and his approach to politics opened the door for many others to follow, including many who couldn’t have imagined running for office, including myself,” Padilla said.
After previous stints in the Assembly and on the Los Angeles City Council, Cárdenas was first elected to Congress in 2012. His district covers Arleta, Pacoima, Sun Valley, North Hollywood, Panorama City, Van Nuys, Lake Balboa, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, North Hills, Reseda, Toluca Lake, Valley Glen, Valley Village and San Fernando.
“His impact stretches beyond his many legislative achievements, as a champion for the hardworking families in the San Fernando Valley,” Padilla said. “I’ll truly miss his partnership in Congress.”
Cárdenas served as Assemblyman from 1996 until 2002, during which he secured $650 million for new school construction. He also introduced legislation bolstering gang prevention and intervention programs. He served on the City Council from 2005 to 2013 as the 6th District representative, which covers some neighborhoods of the 29th Congressional District.
During his time on the council, Cárdenas chaired the Business Tax Reform, Energy and Natural Resources, Gang Violence and Youth Development committees. He also sat on the Budget and Finance, and Housing, Community and Economic Development committees.
He has also been an advocate for green energy, justice reform and animal rights, among other issues.
Cárdenas voiced his support for Rivas, D-North Hollywood, as she seeks to be his successor in a solidly Democratic district that will likely attract a large number of hopefuls for the congressional seat.
“Luz is a genuine public servant who has dedicated herself to delivering opportunities for the Valley,” Cárdenas said in a statement released by the Rivas campaign. “She gets things done, and has always put working families first.”
In announcing her candidacy, Rivas, 49, said in a statement, “Congress has descended into a constant state of dysfunction, and the American people are paying the price. … Residents of the San Fernando Valley deserve a member of Congress who will focus on their needs. I will fight to make sure every family has economic opportunity, protect Social Security and Medicare, and reduce the threat of climate change.”
Rivas is vying to be the first Latina to represent the district in Congress.
She joined the Assembly in 2018 following the resignation of Raul Bocanegra, who was the subject of sexual harassment allegations. She chairs the Assembly’s Natural Resources Committee, and is the author of 18 bills, 11 of which have become laws.