LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF REP. TONY CÁRDENAS

Brooklyn, NY – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement after Congressman Tony Cárdenas announced he would not seek another term in the House of Representatives:

For nearly three decades, Rep. Tony Cárdenas has served the people of the San Fernando Valley at nearly every level of government. As the son of hardworking immigrants who became the first Latino member of Congress from the Valley, Tony truly embodies the American Dream. 

Throughout his public service journey, Tony has been a champion for children and families in California and across the nation. His work in the State Assembly and in the Congress has helped transform the juvenile detention system, banning the use of solitary confinement for minors. In Congress, he worked to pass the At-Risk Youth Medicaid Protection Act, bipartisan legislation to ensure that vulnerable children and teens have access to the physical and mental health care coverage they need when reentering their communities. As a Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Tony has advanced efforts to increase access to mental health and addiction treatment, lower prescription drug prices and create a more just and equitable health care system.

While Tony is the first Latino to represent the San Fernando Valley, he has made it his mission not to be the last. As a leader within the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, he’s been instrumental in increasing the number of Latinos serving in Congress to a record level. Tony will be greatly missed in the People’s House and I wish him and his family the best in this new chapter.