Peter DeFazio is 19th Democrat to announce he's leaving the House

Congressman Peter DeFazio, the longest serving representative in Oregon's history and chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, announced Wednesday he wouldn't seek reelection in 2022. 

"It's time for me to pass the baton to the next generation so I can focus on my health and well-being," he wrote in a statement. "This was a tough decision at a challenging time for our republic with the very pillars of our democracy under threat, but I am bolstered by the passion and principles of my colleagues in Congress and the ingenuity and determination of young Americans who are civically engaged and working for change."

While DeFazio is the 19th House Democrat to either retire or run for another office this election cycle, his departure is in keeping with a trend of senior-ranking Democrats departing the House, such as John Yarmuth or G.K. Butterfield, amid doubts that Democrats will be able to hold the majority in 2022.