At a Thursday morning press conference today in Salinas, Calif., Representative Sam Farr announced that he would retire from Congress when his current term ends in 2016. The Democrat joined Congress in 1993 after winning a special election to replace Leon Panetta who left the office to serve in the Clinton Administration as Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Before entering Congress, the Carmel resident served on the California State Assembly for thirteen years, from 1980-1993.
Thanking his staff and the community for their ongoing support, Rep. Sam Farr told the crowded room at the Steinbeck Center in downtown Salinas, that he was looking forward to his retirement and becoming a “full-time babysitter for my grandkids.”
Rep. Sam Farr started his life in public service as a Peace Corps volunteer in 1964 when he was sent to Colombia. He won his first election in 1975 when he was elected to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.
At the press conference, Rep. Sam Farr was asked what vote he was most proud of as a member of Congress. He said there was not one in particular, but one that did stand out was his vote against the Iraq War in 2002.
Rep. Sam Farr was one of 126 House Democrats in addition to six House Republicans and one House Independent who voted against Joint Resolution 114, which authorized the use of deadly force to oust dictator Saddam Hussein and invade Iraq.
At the time, the George W. Bush Administration was promoting the belief that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction, necessitating the dictator’s overthrow and subsequent invasion. Thirteen years later we all know this was not true.
In response to Rep. Sam Farr’s announcement, Santa Cruz County Chief Administrative Officer Susan A. Mauriello issued the following statement,
“Sam has been a good friend to Santa Cruz County for many, many years. His legacy as a champion of the Central Coast, oceans and the environment, farmers and the poor and underrepresented is secure. From the dirt roads of Columbia to the halls of Congress, Sam has been a model of what a public servant should be. I wish him the best in his well-deserved retirement.”
This latest news suddenly opens up next year’s 20th Congressional District race. Media outlet on Capitol Hill, Roll Call includes Assemblyman for the 29th district, Mark Stone and Assemblyman for the 30th district, Luis Alejo as possible contenders to replace the long-serving Democrat.
Monterey County District Four Supervisor, Jane Parker is also on Roll Call’s list of perspective candidates. If she decides to run and is elected to the post, it would be the first time a woman has represented the Central Coast district in Congress.
Pictured: Rep. Sam Farr standing next to wife, Shary Baldwin Farr at a press conference announcing his retirement in Salinas, Calif. via KSBW.com live stream.
