Rep. David Price, the longtime Congressman of North Carolina’s 4th District, is set to retire.
Price, who is serving his 17th term in the U.S. House, shared he does not plan to run for re-election in 2022, according to a release from his press office. One of the more senior Democratic representatives in Congress, the 81-year-old has represented Orange County and much of the Triangle for more than 20 years.
“I am announcing today that I will not seek re–election as representative for North Carolina’s Fourth Congressional District,” Price said in a statement. “I do so with a profound sense of gratitude to the voters of the Fourth District; to the supporters who have backed me in 18 successive campaigns; and to my staff in Washington and the district, whose competence and dedication are responsible for the quality of representation and service I have been able to provide. None of this would have been possible without the loyalty and support of my wife, Lisa, my partner in this venture all along the way, and the unfailing encouragement of family, friends, and colleagues.”
Price currently holds two positions of leadership in Congress: the Chairmanship of the Transportation-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee and in the House Democracy Partnership. He said in Monday’s statement he feels “optimistic” about the policy course those groups have set for the legislature.
“I take satisfaction in what we have been able to achieve for the Fourth District and North Carolina – from the EPA lab and National Guard headquarters to intercity rail, improved housing, and dozens of community projects,” Price wrote. “But as we tell our HDP partners in discussing the realization of democracy, most of what we do remains a work in progress. That is certainly evident now, as we strive to secure long overdue investments in our transportation and housing infrastructure, child care and early childhood education, and other pressing needs. Looming over it all is the frightful legacy of the last four years and urgent questions about the future of our constitutional democracy.”
A UNC alumnus, Price then studied at Yale University to earn a Bachelor of Divinity degree, as well as a Ph D. in political science. Before he began serving in Congress in 1987, he worked as a professor of political science and public policy at Duke University. Price has also authored four books on Congress and the American political system.
Price lost his re-election bid to Republican Fred Heineman in 1994, but regained the seat two years later and has served ever since. Prior to his election, the Tennessee native also worked as the chairman of the North Carolina Democratic Party.
Congressman David Price speaking at a 2019 Veterans Day ceremony in Orange County. The longtime U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s 4th District, he has served as the county’s representation in Washington D.C. for more than two decades.
Most recently, Price defeated Republican challenger Robert Thomas in the 2020 election cycle, winning re-election with 66 percent of votes.
“So while it is time for me to retire,” wrote Price, “it is no time to flag in our efforts to secure a ‘more perfect union’ and to protect and expand our democracy. I am deeply grateful to the people of the Fourth District for making my service possible and for what we have been able to achieve together. And I promise, in the fifteen months remaining and beyond, to continue fighting for the just and inclusive country we believe in.”
Several figures and organizations in North Carolina politics shared statements on Monday reacting to the congressman’s retirement announcement.
“Congressman David Price has served North Carolina with distinction for over 30 years, fighting to increase access to transportation, expand education, make housing more affordable, and ensure transparency in elections and campaigns,” wrote North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Bobbie Richardson. “His wisdom, influence, and leadership will be sorely missed in the halls of Congress. We are deeply grateful for his commitment to our state and people, and wish him and his wife Lisa a well-deserved retirement.”
“I offer the deepest gratitude to Congressman David Price for serving Orange County, the Fourth Congressional District, and the United States of America,” state Rep. Graig Meyer, whose district overlaps with Price’s constituency. “His depth of knowledge, record of accomplishment, and generosity of spirit is a legacy that every politician should aspire to. I am so appreciative of the personal mentoring and support that he has offered me, as he has to so many other elected officials.”
While North Carolina’s congressional maps are set to be redrawn based on the latest U.S. Census data, the 4th district currently includes Orange, Durham, Franklin and Granville counties as well as parts of Wake, Chatham and Vance counties. Price’s successor will be elected in 2022 before being sworn in for 2023.
Price’s plans for retirement marks the second announced by longtime Orange County representative this fall. State Rep. Verla Insko, who represents the 56th district in the House of Representatives, shared in September that she will not run for another term.
Photo via David Price on Twitter.
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