Breaking news this morning that California Congressman Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) has resigned from the House effective immediately
From the Modesto Bee
Citing sensitive family needs, Rep. Dennis Cardoza, D-Merced, has tendered his immediate resignation from the House of Representatives. The surprisingly timed departure takes effect at midnight Wednesday.
A veteran San Joaquin Valley politician first elected to the House in 2002, the 53-year-old Cardoza had previously announced he would not run for re-election. While citing the toxic partisan gridlock on Capitol Hill, he primarily attributed his speeded-up timing to growing burdens on the home front.
“In light of the fact that nothing is going to happen for the rest of the year, and in light of the fact that (my wife) and I are facing increasing parenting challenges, this seemed the right time to make this move,” Cardoza said in an interview Monday.
Since Cardoza was leaving the House anyway it will not alter the campaign to succeed him and there will not be a special election to fill the vacancy.