WASHINGTON, August 14, 2012 – Rep. Dennis Cardoza announced his resignation from the U.S. Congress, effective midnight August 15, 2012. One of the last remaining “Blue Dog” Democrats serving in Congress, Cardoza had previously announced he would not run for reelection, rather than challenge his friend and fellow member of the House Agriculture Committee, Jim Costa, D-Calif., in a newly created district.
Cardoza cited the lack of legislative action on Capitol Hill as one reason for his quicker than expected departure, but told the Sacramento Bee that family issues drove his decision.
"In light of the fact that nothing is going to happen for the rest of the year, and in light of the fact that (my wife) and I are facing increasing parenting challenges, this seemed the right time to make this move," Cardoza said in an interview with the Sacramento Bee.
Cardoza and his wife, Dr. Kathleen McLoughlin, have three children: a biological daughter and two adopted siblings who are now teenagers.
In a note to constituents, Cardoza cited a long list of accomplishments, including his fight “for more water for our farmers, so the Valley would remain the most productive agriculture region in the world. We made progress on cleaner air, better health care, expanded protections for abandoned and abused children, and new roads and bridges for the people of the Central Valley.”
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