Graves Drops Out, Stirs GOP Primary

0:00On March 27th, Rep. Sam Graves, the Republican from Missouri, and chairman of the House Transportation Committee, just announced he's dropping out of. His re-election race, the 62-year-old first elected back in 2000, plans to leave Congress at the end of his current 13th term. He made the call earlier this week, and pulled out ahead of the August primary in his solidly-read, Sixth Congressional District. Graves has led the Transportation Committee as top Republicans since 2019, even getting a waiver last year to stay on, despite usual six-year. Limits for chairman, he won his last race in 2024 with about 70% of the vote, making the seat a safe bet for Republicans. His exit is already stirring things up in the primary, where two GOP challengers were running, and more might jump in now. Voters in Northern Missouri will have fresh options come election time. Before he goes, Graves wants to push through a major surface transportation bill to fund roads, bridges, transit, and rail before the current law runs.

1:02Out in September, he's also championed air safety measures, like modernizing air traffic control, and points to last year's federal aviation administration. Reauthorization as a big win. Looking ahead, he eyes a private sector role helping businesses navigate Washington. Graves even tipped RIP. David Rouser from North Carolina as the best pick to take over his committee spot, wrapping up more than 25 years of. Service on a high note. That's your update from U.S. News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story.