últimas notícias

The exit of Mr. King, 75, comes as a growing number of Republicans have decided to retire rather than seek re-election as they eye the grim political realities for their party, including an uphill slog to win back the House in next year’s election and the prospect of sharing a ticket with an unpopular president. The dilemma is particularly acute for Republicans in suburban districts, where voters have been alienated by Mr. Trump’s rhetoric and his positions.

Mr. King, who represents parts of Nassau County and Suffolk County as part of New York’s second congressional district, said none of those concerns influenced his decision, pointing to favorable polling numbers and a sizable war chest. More persuasive, he said, was his daughter’s recent move to North Carolina, and a desire to give New York Republicans plenty of time to find a replacement candidate ahead of primary in April.

“I think it’s gotten too toxic,” Mr. King, a boxer, acknowledged, “but once I’m in the arena, I enjoy the battle.”

He said he called Mr. Trump on Sunday to inform him of his decision, assuring the president that he would vote against articles of impeachment and support his re-election bid, as Republicans seek to prevent any defections in the coming weeks. Mr. Trump, Mr. King said, asked him to reconsider retirement, but ultimately understood his decision.

“We can’t allow impeachment to become a political issue, like a tax bill or a highway bill,” Mr. King said, recalling his vote against impeachment articles against President Bill Clinton. “My concern right now is that it’s become part of the political landscape now.”