Rep. David Price will finish his term but not seek reelection

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- Congressman David Price (D-North Carolina) will not seek reelection, he announced on Monday.

"I am announcing today that I will not seek re-election as representative for North Carolina's Fourth Congressional District," he 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 has represented parts of the Triangle for more than two decades.

He is also a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development(THUD)Appropriations Subcommittee.

He was first elected in 1987, defeating Republican incumbent Bill Cobey. He continued to win re-election until 1994 when he lost to former Raleigh police chief Fred Heineman by less than 1 percent.

Price quickly regained the seat in 1996, beating Heineman in a landslide.

"We owe Congressman David Price a debt of gratitude for his tireless service to the people of North Carolina," North Carolina Sen. Wiley Nickel said. Nickel plans to run for Price's seat after the end of his term. "If we're going to deliver quality education and childcare to all, protect reproductive health rights and combat the climate crisis, we'll need a proven fighter for North Carolina. I've fought for these issues as a North Carolina Senator. I'm ready to take that fight to Washington D.C."

"David Price is a good man and public servant, representing his constituents with dedication for more than 30 years," U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) said in a statement. "It has been a pleasure to serve alongside Congressman Price and work closely with him on a bipartisan basis on issues ranging from disaster recovery funding to economic development and infrastructure improvements. I wish Congressman Price and his family all the best on his retirement."