Politics & Government

Runyan Won't Seek Reelection to Congress Next Year

By Rob Scott

Congressman Jon Runyan (R-3) will not seek reelection when his term expires next year. 

Runyan made the announcement late Wednesday morning, shortly after news of his decision leaked to the media. In a statement, the two-term Congressman and former Eagles offensive lineman cited his desire to spend more time with family as the main reason for the decision.

“After a great deal of thought and discussions with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election in 2014," the statement read. "Politics shouldn't be a career and I never intended to make it one. While it has truly been an honor to serve the people of New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District, at this stage in my life, and more importantly, the lives of my three children, spending time with them is my top priority. As I serve out the rest of my term, I will continue to work hard on behalf of the people of South Jersey."

Runyan defeated Democratic incumbent John Adler for the seat in 2010. Adler passed away in 2011, and in 2012, his widow, Shelley Adler, unsuccessfully ran against Runyan. 

Runyan serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Veterans Affairs, and is a member of a number of caucuses related to the military and veterans support.

During the recent government shutdown, Runyan broke ranks with a number of his Republican colleagues by calling for a clean continuing resolution to end the shutdown.

"Enough is enough. Put a (resolution) on the floor and let’s get on with the business we were sent to do,” he said.

Runyan, however, had previously voted in favor of a funding bill that conditioned keeping the government open to delaying key portions of "Obamacare," and another that delayed for a year the law's requirement that millions of people buy medical insurance.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here