Congressman John Yarmuth reflects on time in office, state of D.C. politics, what's next
After a surprise announcement that he won't seek re-election, John Yarmuth was greeted by media Wednesday at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
The congressman answered a range of questions about his successor, what he'll miss most about Congress and what his plans are after leaving Washington, D.C.
There is still drama in Washington over big spending packages between Republicans and Democrats. The struggle is to get bipartisan agreement on things like raising the debt ceiling, but Yarmuth says he co-sponsored a bill that could help ease the tension in Washington over the country's money.
Longtime Congressman leaving D.C.: Yarmuth announced on Oct. 12. that he is not seeking reelection for the U.S. House of Representatives.
Concerning his successor, Yarmuth said, "I think Morgan (McGarvey) would be a great successor, Attica (Scott) I'm not as sure about but I don't know Attica, as well."
Yarmuth says he received a call from Attica Scott six months ago before she jumped in the race and told her he wasn't sure of his plans.
Just four months ago, Yarmuth says he called McGarvey about his possible retirement.
More on the candidates: Minutes after Rep. Yarmuth announcement, Sen. Morgan McGarvey says he'll run to fill the seat
With Yarmuth's son also rumored to enter the race, he says he'll wait before making any endorsements.
So for now, he says he continues to reflect on what he'll miss about Washington.
"Most of my really good friends are in the House now. You know my best friend in the house, Steve Cohen from Memphis, he's agonizing over whether to run right now because he said 'I'm going to lose my best friend,' and that's kind of how many of us feel," Yarmuth said.
An expression of love within a place he calls toxic these days, Yarmuth offered his insight on the state of Congress and his Republican colleagues.
Yarmuth said, "I think it's a fair characterization. Republicans in Congress don't care about policy, they just don't. They're just there to get attention for the most part and get re-elected. Now obviously not everybody is Majorie Taylor Green or Lauren Boebert or a Madison Cawthorn, but those people have no interest in policy at all."
As far as what's next, Yarmuth says he wants to teach, write and enjoy time watching his grandson grow up. He also says he plans to join a progressive organization and continue his passion for policy.