California’s Cardoza resigns from House

FRESNO, Calif. — Democratic Congressman Dennis Cardoza, whose growing dislike for Washington politics was a factor in his decision not to seek re- election, announced Tuesday that he won’t even finish out his term.

The representative serving Modesto, Stockton and Merced cited problems with his teenage children as the reason for stepping down as of midnight on Wednesday, and said the lack of pressing work during an election season made the timing right.

During his tenure in Congress, Cardoza helped launch the University of California’s newest campus at Merced, secured funding for expansion of the Port of Stockton, fought for foreclosure relief for homeowners, and worked on the myriad of water-access problems facing farmers in the San Joaquin Valley.

Cardoza, 53, had long been soured on Washington politics and told The Associated Press last October that he wouldn’t seek re-election because he wasn’t enjoying it anymore.

Cardoza lives with his wife and three children in Maryland and apparently will remain there. The law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips immediately announced that Cardoza will be the managing director of the government affairs and public policy areas of the practice.

Cardoza told McClatchy newspapers that he and his wife are facing parenting challenges, though he was vague about what those problems are.

Wire Services