This story is breaking.

Democrat House Transportation Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio has announced he will retire at the end of this term.

Fox News reports:

DeFazio, who will step down after serving in the House of Representatives for 36 years, becomes the 19th Democratic lawmaker to retire or run for different office in 2022 elections, as the party tries to defend it’s razor thin majority in the chamber. Twelve House Republicans are retiring or seeking another office next year.

“With humility and gratitude I am announcing that I will not seek re-election next year,” the congressman said in a statement on Wednesday.

“It’s time for me to pass the baton to the next generation so I can focus on my health and well-being,” the 74-year old lawmaker said.

The congressman, known as a political firebrand and populist, represents Oregon’s 4th Congressional district, which has been in Democratic hands for nearly half a century. But the blue leaning district is expected to become more favorable to the Democrats next year, thanks to the new redistricting map passed by the party, which controls the state government.