In an email to her constituents, Rep. Susan Davis said she was stepping down out of a “a desire to live and work ‘at home’ in San Diego.” | Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo California Democrat Susan Davis won't seek another term

California Rep. Susan Davis has opted against another term after nearly two decades in the House, a move that should set off a scramble among Democrats but is unlikely to affect the House majority.

In an email to her constituents, the San Diego Democrat said she was stepping down out of a “a desire to live and work ‘at home’ in San Diego.”


“I do not know what I will do next but I know there are many ways to serve our community,” Davis, 75, wrote before suggesting that she plans to endorse a successor: “I know you will pick your next representative wisely. That person will also represent me, so I will look to those who put this noble pursuit of public interest above self-interest.”

Democrats wield a 20-point registration advantage in California’s 53rd House district, making it unlikely that the seat Davis is forfeiting will flip in 2020. The more consequential outcome will likely be a number of San Diego-area Democrats vying for a rare open spot in Congress.

Members of California’s state Legislature operate under term limits, unlike lawmakers in Congress, which often translates into a surplus of current and former elected officials searching for another office.

Davis’ exit adds another variable to an already-dynamic electoral map in California, where seven first-term Democrats are looking to defend formerly Republican seats.

Near the seat Davis currently occupies, multiple Republicans are seeking the CA-50th post still held by GOP Rep. Duncan Hunter, who is battling federal charges of campaign finance violations.