A prominent Democratic representative from New Hampshire prepares to leave Congress after more than a decade of service.
According to Daily Caller, Rep. Annie Kuster announced her retirement, citing concerns about her safety during the January 6 Capitol riot, claiming former President Donald Trump "tried to kill" her.
Kuster, who has represented New Hampshire's 2nd District since 2013, revealed she was among the last Congress members in the gallery during the insurrection. She described a harrowing escape, stating that security footage showed insurrectionists armed with zip ties and bear mace entered the hallway just 30 seconds after her evacuation.
In a detailed interview with Roll Call on Monday, Kuster expressed her deep-seated concerns about the events of January 6.
She emphasized the gravity of her close encounter with the rioters and its lasting impact on her decision to step away from Congress. The representative also voiced criticisms about Trump's treatment of women and his stance on protections against sexual assault.
The retiring congresswoman acknowledged the shifting political landscape that influenced the 2024 election outcomes. She highlighted voter concerns about inflation, border security, and rising crime rates as key factors that swayed public opinion toward seeking new leadership.
Her frank assessment of the Democratic Party's challenges included criticism of its aging leadership. Kuster pointed out that many young voters have felt disconnected from the party due to its predominantly older representatives.
Kuster described the toll of representing a politically competitive district that she helped transform from red to purple. She contrasted her experience with colleagues from deep-blue districts who face less challenging re-election campaigns. The demanding nature of maintaining her seat has contributed to her feeling "literally exhausted."
Despite stepping away from elected office, Kuster plans to remain politically active. She expressed optimism about Democratic prospects in future elections, predicting party victories in both the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential race. Her commitment to supporting Democratic women candidates remains strong.
Kuster delivered these remarks:
I was one of the last members of Congress in the gallery on Jan. 6, and as it turns out, we have the security footage that shows it was only 30 seconds from when I was able to evacuate that the insurrectionists were in that hallway hunting for us with zip ties and bear mace and who knows what else.
Representative Annie Kuster's departure from Congress comes after serving New Hampshire's 2nd District since 2013, with her final address delivered on December 18.
Her retirement decision stems from the traumatic experiences during the January 6 Capitol riot and her concerns about potential future security threats.
While stepping away from elected office, Kuster plans to continue her political involvement by supporting Democratic candidates and working to help the party regain its majority position.
