Democratic Congressman Bob Brady announced Wednesday that he will not seek reelection, effectively capping a political career spanning more than three decades.
Brady, of Philadelphia, stated during a press conference that his decision comes from his desire to be “home with family.”
The congressman, in relaying his successes in office, said he helped pass 14 bills and is supporting the Congressional Education About Sexual Harassment Eradication Resolution, introduced in November, requiring sexual-harassment training for Congress members and staff. Brady also introduced legislation in 2014 expanding authority of the federal government to prosecute hate crimes that are committed strictly based on a victim’s sexual orientation. Prior to this legislation, Pennsylvania laws did not classify crimes committed because of a person’s sexual orientation as hate crimes.
Brady also backed The Equality Act, which was submitted to both the House and Senate with 240 cosponsors. The legislation would prohibit LGBT discrimination on a federal level. Pennsylvania still lacks discrimination protections for LGBT individuals.
The congressman, who is also the Democratic Party chairman, said he is proud of his record and the work he has done.
“Don’t get me wrong, I am the luckiest guy in the world. I love my job, I love my district and, most of all, I love the people I have served. I am not leaving because I love them any less today than I did the day I swore my oath of office 20 years go,” said Brady, who served 11 consecutive terms representing Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District.
Brady added he wants to invest more time in his family, stating, “It’s time to come home.”
“Today I’m just choosing family over service. There are some things I love more.”
Brady said his decision not to seek reelection has nothing to do with the FBI investigation into alleged payments made by his campaign to encourage a challenger to drop out of the race in 2012. Two of Brady’s campaign aides were charged with conspiracy.
The congressman added he “did nothing wrong” and that he was no longer under investigation. He said he isn’t facing any charges and that the statute of limitations is expired.
Brady also said he didn’t make any deals with the federal government related to his retirement from Congress.
“I made no deals with nobody. I know what I do. I did nothing wrong,” he said.
Brady reiterated his desire to spend time with his family, especially his great-grandchild.
Brady also served as the deputy mayor for labor in the administration of Philadelphia; consultant to the Pennsylvania State Senate; Pennsylvania Turnpike Commissioner; and as a member of the board of directors of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.