The Congressman released an early morning statement about his decision not to seek another term, because he said he wanted his supporters to hear about it from him.
Miller said there would be "no joy" in his campaign if he sought office again and ran against David Price, who currently represents District 4.
Miller, a Democrat who has been in office since 2003, represents North Carolina's 13th congressional district - which includes all of Caswell and Person counties, and parts of Alamance, Granville, Guilford, Rockingham and Wake counties.
Recently, Republicans in the state legislature remapped the district, overlapping it with District 4. Miller said in his statement Thursday that "the new fourth district includes 33 percent of the old fourth and 31 percent of the old thirteenth, the largest piece of my old district."
- David has made it very clear that he intends to run again. I have two choices: run in a primary with David, or not seek another term. ... I do not have an agreement with David to step aside now and run in two years when he retires, as has been widely rumored, nor have I tried to strike any deal. The reality is that if I sat out a term and returned to Congress, I would be starting over for most purposes. I would have no assurance of my committee assignments and even if I won assignment to the same committees, I would lose all seniority. Just as important, the debate on the issues that I care about, and on which I am now a leader, would move on. No, I could not simply pick up where I left off.
Miller also said that the redistricting in his district has left very few opportunities for "talented younger Democrats, of whom there are many in this district. In two years, maybe it should be someone else's turn."
"I am proud of the work I've done in Congress. What has happened in our economy in the last few years has offended most Americans' sense of justice, including mine."
Following Miller's written announcement, Rep. Price released a statement.
"North Carolinians deserve members of Congress who fight for what is right, and Brad Miller has been fighting for what is right for the last decade," Price said. "From addressing water contamination issues at Camp Lejeune to pushing for a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and insisting that the home mortgage crisis be addressed, it has been a privilege to fight alongside him for working people and for President Obama's agenda. I know Brad will continue to shape these issues, whatever he chooses to do next, and I wish him well."
Miller in the meantime said he would serve out the remainder of his term. He will publicly announce his decision during a conference call at 11 a.m.
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