Politics & Government
Congressman Frank Wolf Announces Retirement
Northern Virginia's lone Republican congressman bows out after 17 terms in office.
By Jason Spencer and Mary Ann Barton
Congressman Frank Wolf (R-10th) announced Tuesday that he will not seek election to an 18th term in 2014.
He released the following statement announcing his decision:
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“I have decided not to seek re-election to the U.S. Congress in 2014. It has been an honor to serve the people of northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. I thank my constituents for giving me the privilege of representing them in Congress for 34 years.
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“As a follower of Jesus, I am called to work for justice and reconciliation, and to be an advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. I plan to focus my future work on human rights and religious freedom – both domestic and international – as well as matters of the culture and the American family. My passion for these issues has been influenced by the examples of President Ronald Reagan, former Congressmen Jack Kemp and Tony Hall, Chuck Colson, and the life of 18th century Member of Parliament William Wilberforce.
“I want to thank the many excellent former and current members of my staff who have helped me serve the people of the 10th District. I am also grateful to my wife, Carolyn, and my family, who have faithfully stood by me all these many years.”
Wolf was first elected in 1980 and is the dean of the Virginia congressional delegation. He has represented all or parts of the following counties and cities since being elected: Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Fauquier, Clarke, Frederick, Warren, Shenandoah, Rockingham, Rappahannock, Page, Winchester, Manassas and Manassas Park.
Wolf used to be the Town of Herndon's Congressman before redistricting put Herndon in the 11th District, under Congressman Gerry Connolly.
Who might replace Wolf?
Fairfax County Supervisor John Foust, a McLean Democrat, already has announced his intention to seek his party's nomination for the seat. Richard Bolger, a small business owner and attorney in Fairfax, also has announced he will seek the Democratic nomination.
At least three Republicans have been mentioned as potential successors to Wolf, according to the Washington Post — state Del. Barbara Comstock (R-McLean), State Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel of Winchester, and former Democratic U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, who switched parties in 2012 after an unsuccessful bid for governor of Alabama two years prior.
Davis moved to Northern Virginia in 2010 to join a Washington law firm, but has since become a fellow at Harvard's Institute of Politics, according to the Associated Press. He has reportedly been mulling a run for the Virginia General Assembly or Congress since at least January.
A June poll of Republicans of whom they would favor to replace Wolf should he retire showed no clear frontrunner, according to the Daily Caller.
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