Friends –

Most folks know that my most important title isn’t “Congressman” – it’s “Dad.” My two kids, and my desire to make the world better and stronger for them, has driven my public service.

In fact, nearly every time I flew to DC in the past decade, I’d start the flight by emailing Sophie and Aven, explaining to them why I was leaving – and what I’d be working on in our nation’s capital. Over the years, they’ve likely heard far more than they wanted to about my work to create jobs, improve access to health care, make Congress work better, fulfill the promises made to Indian Country, combat climate change, secure funding wins for our region, and so many other topics.

Without fail, I’d end my notes to them with two sentences – “Be good. I love you.”

In every letter I tried to communicate to them that every day, in every way, I was trying make things better for their generation – and for their country.

Recently, I shared another letter with my kids. I told them what I am now sharing with you, my friends and supporters: I will not seek re-election next year.

I never intended for this chapter to be something I’d do for the rest of my life, and after nearly two decades in public service, I’m excited to start a new chapter when my term is complete.

I’m extraordinarily grateful for the support you’ve given me during this time. With your trust and support, I’ve been able to work on projects that matter.

Among other things, I was honored to lead the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress (aka “The Fix Congress Committee”). Not only did our committee pass over 200 proposed reforms geared toward making Congress work better, we demonstrated a better way of doing things, checking partisan agendas at the door and just focusing on solving problems. For the next 14 months, I’ll be continuing that work as Chair of the new Fix Congress Caucus. And when I’m outside the institution, I’ll continue doing all I can to make things better.

I have been honored to represent the region where I grew up, the Olympic Peninsula. My upbringing shaped me as a person and as a leader. It’s why my office’s core mission has been “creating more opportunity for more people in more places.” Whether it’s been helping folks get broadband access, securing funding for ports, fighting for rural hospitals, delivering funds to address flooding, or standing up a new program (called RECOMPETE grants) to help areas facing persistent economic challenges, I’ve been proud to work for the Olympic Peninsula every single day.

There are other projects I’ve told my kids about over the years, trying to help them understand that we can do things better when we do things together. Whether working in coalitions to fix the traffic problems at Gorst, to manage our forests in a smarter way, to get a new veterans clinic built, to ensure the federal government fulfills its trust responsibilities to tribal communities, to build more affordable housing in Tacoma, or to protect Puget Sound, our team has worked in a collaborative way and done good things.

As nourishing as this job has been, it has come with profound costs to my family. Missed concerts and theater performances. Missed family dinners. The distance I felt from my family for months after the events of January 6th. I didn’t always deliver for them in the way I intended; and I hope they will forgive me for that. And I hope they know – and I hope you know – that I was really trying my best to make the world better for them and for the people I represent.

For me, that work isn’t complete. For one, I intend to keep the pedal to the metal for the next 14 months until my final minute on the job. There’s a lot to do! Beyond that … I’ve got more chapters in me. My plan is to ensure those chapters enable me to continue to make a positive difference. And I’d sure like to make more time for those I love.

No matter how the next chapter is written, I’ll keep telling my kids “Be good. I love you.”

Thank you again for your help and support. More soon….

Best,

Derek