Long-Time Republican US Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen Will Not Seek Re-Election
First Republican in Congress to Support Same-Sex Marriage
U.S. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen has just announced she will not seek re-election next year. The Florida Representative was the first Republican in Congress to support same-sex marriage, the first Cuban American and first Latina elected to Congress, the first Republican woman elected from Florida to Congress, and currently is the most senior Republican woman in the House.
“It’s been such a delight and a high honor to serve our community for so many years and help constituents every day of the week,†Ros-Lehtinen told the Miami Herald. “We just said, ‘It’s time to take a new step.’â€
Hillary Clinton beat Donald Trump in her district by 20 points.
Ros-Lehtinen first began her public service in the Florida House in 1982, and went to Congress in 1989.
In December of 2011 she became the first Republican in Congress to support same-sex marriage, co-sponsoring the Respect for Marriage Act. She also has been a co-sponsor of ENDA, and the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA), which would protect LGBT students in public schools from discimination.
She also is one of the few Republicans who has called for action on climate change.
In 2015 she recorded this video congratulating her transgender son, Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, for winning the SAVE 2015 Champions of Equality Award.
There’s a good chance Democrats could pick up this seat next year.
UPDATE:
Nate Silver concurs:
Likely will be a Democratic pickup. Retirements like these can turn smaller midterm waves into bigger ones. https://t.co/uyg9n67x4U
— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) April 30, 2017
Â
To comment on this article and other NCRM content, visit our Facebook page.
This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.