GOP U.S. Rep. Katko of N.Y. to retire

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. John Katko, a Republican moderate whose congressional career seemed on the ascent, announced his retirement Friday, the third of the 10 House GOP lawmakers who voted to impeach President Donald Trump last January to say they won’t seek reelection.

The upstate New Yorker, 59, was in line to become chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee if Republicans win control of the chamber in November’s elections.

But his decision comes as Trump has remained a dominant force in the GOP, retaining the fealty of many lawmakers and threatening to use party primaries to depose those who cross him.

Now serving his fourth House term, Katko released a statement saying it was time to “enjoy my family and life in a fuller and more present way.” He said his parents and his wife’s parents had all died in the past three years, adding, “To say that those gut-wrenching times provided life-changing perspective for me is putting it mildly.”

While his statement made no reference to Trump, he also said, “My conscience, principles, and commitment to do what’s right have guided every decision I’ve made as a Member of Congress, and they guide my decision today.”

There has been a sharp GOP backlash against all 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Trump over his role in inciting supporters who violently stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, as lawmakers were certifying his presidential reelection defeat.

Katko became the 13th House Republican to announce he’s not seeking reelection in 2022. So far 26 House Democrats have said they are retiring after this year.