This is a big surprise. All we have are a couple of quick hits, though, from
the AP:
AP Sources: Michigan Democratic US Rep. Dale Kildee to announce retirement after 18 terms
And Dave Catanese:
Michigan Rep. Dale Kildee, a 17-term Democrat, will not seek reelection next year, according to a Democratic official.
It's a surprise because of what Kildee said just a few months ago:
The exact words of 81-year-old Rep. Dale Kildee (D), when asked if he's quitting: "They'll have to carry me out of here." Despite having just $12K in the bank, the veteran lawmaker says he's definitely going for another term, and that you can ignore his warchest: "I usually don't start raising money until March, so that doesn't mean anything."
Kildee's district changed only minimally in redistricting, so that doesn't seem to offer an explanation. One possible person who could replace him is his nephew, Dan Kildee, the former treasurer of Genesee County who briefly ran for governor last year.