GOP Rep. Katko, who voted to impeach Trump, won’t run for reelection

GOP Rep. John KatkoJohn Michael KatkoThe Hill’s Morning Report – Biden to make voting rights play in Atlanta Congress restores strict health protocols during omicron-fueled surge Mace tests positive for COVID-19 a second time MORE (R-N.Y.), who voted to impeach former President TrumpDonald TrumpGallego on Jan. 6 rioters: ‘F— them’ Psaki: Why is GOP afraid of presidential debates? Democracy is on life support — and the GOP wants to pull the plug MORE in 2020, announced on Friday that he will not seek reelection in the upcoming midterms. 

“After 32 years of public service, I have decided not to seek re-election to Congress, so that I can enjoy my family and life in a fuller and more present way,” Katko said in a statement. 

“My conscience, principles, and commitment to do what’s right have guided every decision I’ve made as a member of Congress, and they guide my decision today,” he continued. “It is how I’ve been able to unite people to solve problems, and how I was rewarded with resounding victories in every single campaign for Congress.” 

Katko has represented New York’s 24th congressional district in the Syracuse area since 2015. He currently serves as the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee. 

The outgoing congressman was one of 10 Republicans in the House who voted to impeach Trump in 2020 after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Last year, Katko and Homeland Security Committee Chair Bennie ThompsonBennie Gordon ThompsonJan. 6 panel subpoenas Facebook, Twitter, Reddit and Alphabet McCarthy dodges, deflects Jan. 6 questions McCarthy says he won’t cooperate with ‘illegitimate’ Jan. 6 probe MORE (D-Miss.) negotiated the formation of the Jan. 6 Commission to investigate the attack. Kato also made news last year when he became one of thirteen Republicans to vote in favor of President BidenJoe BidenGallego on Jan. 6 rioters: ‘F— them’ Psaki: Why is GOP afraid of presidential debates? Biden calls on employers to mandate vaccines despite Supreme Court ruling MORE‘s bipartisan infrastructure package. 

The moves to impeach Trump and support the infrastructure legislation put Katko and other Republicans directly at odds with the former president and his supporters. Trump sent a letter to the Onondaga County Conservative Party last year detailing his support for a primary challenge against Katko. 

Onondaga Conservative Party Chair Bernie Ment said last year that the party would wait until redistricting is done in New York before picking a candidate to run against Katko.

Three Republicans are running in the district’s Republican primary, including software engineer John Murtari, neurosurgery physician’s assistant Tim Ko, and Navy veteran Francis Conole. 

However, Katko’s exit leaves Democrats with the opportunity to score a pickup in the district at a time when they appear on track to lose the House. Biden defeated Trump by 9 points in Katko’s district in 2020 and the nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the seat as…