Cardoza says sensitive family needs are motivating his resignation. Last year, Cardoza announced he would not run for re-election, so he's leaving congress just a few months before his planned retirement.
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PRESS RELEASE
Congressman Dennis Cardoza Announces Retirement from Congress, Effective Midnight August 15th
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) released the following statement:
"Tomorrow, I will be submitting my formal letter of resignation from Congress to Governor Jerry Brown and Speaker John Boehner, effective midnight August 15th.
"It has been a tremendous honor to have been entrusted to represent my friends and neighbors from California's Central Valley. After over 20 years of serving on commissions, boards, city councils, in the California State Assembly, and, for the last ten years, the U.S. House of Representatives, I look back with great pride on what we have accomplished together. I remember fulfilling my first electoral promises as a young city councilman in Atwater: fixing Peggy Heller's broken street light on Third Street (which previously had been out for over two years) and championing the Atwater Community Center. Bigger challenges followed, and through steadfast commitment, we made UC Merced a reality, expanded the port of Stockton, and fought 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. As I worked on critical issues facing our nation, my efforts were always informed by the hard-working values and raging common sense of the folks from the Central Valley. I never forgot where I came from, and I am proud to have played a role in these accomplishments. I will never stop believing in and fighting for our community and the values we believe in.
"None of what has been accomplished could have been done without one of the most talented staffs ever to be assembled. Thousands of constituents benefited from their labor, from finding lost Social Security checks, to assistance with applying for US citizenship, to cutting through red tape and fighting for lifesaving health care treatments. Together we saved a few lives, and made an impact on a lot more. I have always treasured my staff; they have done a great job for the Valley.
"I could not have done half as much without the assistance of some very special people, including former California Assembly Speaker Robert Hertzberg, Congressman Jim Costa, former House Majority Whip Tony Coelho, former Mayor Greg Olzag, Jennifer Walsh, Robin Adam, Robin Roberts, Anne Cannon MacMillan, Lisa Mantarro Moore, DeeDee D'Adamo, Mike Lynch, Estakio Beltran, and Erica Woodward. I want to thank my colleagues who are also special friends: Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Speaker John Boehner, Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, Caucus Chairman John Larson, Senators Diane Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, the California Congressional delegation, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and most of all, the Blue Dog Coalition. 'Long may you bark.' The real honor of serving in Congress is not working in historic buildings, but in laboring with so many unbelievably talented and dedicated individuals who serve our nation daily.
"Above all, I want to thank my family. Each and every one of them has sacrificed to allow me to serve. My mother and father, who are no longer with us but were so proud to see me sworn in, provided me the education, foundation and morals to serve. My brother, his family, and my children have sacrificed greatly. And of course, I am grateful to my wife Kathie, who has been at my side since the beginning, and who still writes notes of inspiration and tapes them to my bathroom mirror when times are tough. I love you all. You are so special. Thank you."
