OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
The first domino has fallen in the Democrat Party’s bid to keep the Senate majority in the next election. Democrat Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow, 72, has announced that she will not seek reelection in 2024, she said in a press release.
“Inspired by a new generation of leaders, I have decided to pass the torch in the U.S. Senate. I am announcing today that I will not seek re-election and will leave the U.S. Senate at the end of my term on January 3, 2025. As part of my own new generation, I was elected to the Ingham County Commission in 1974 at the age of 24. As the youngest and first woman to chair the Board, this began years of breaking barriers, blazing trails, and being the ‘first’ woman to reach historic milestones as an elected official, including the honor of being the first woman from Michigan elected to the U.S. Senate. But I have always believed it’s not enough to be the ‘first’ unless there is a second and a third,” she said.
“When I ran for the State Legislature in 1978, there were only eight women serving in the State House and none in the State Senate or top statewide offices. This year there are 44 women serving in the State House and 15 in the Senate! Women hold the top three statewide elected offices, and we have the first female Majority Leader in the State Senate! Under the cloud of unprecedented threats to our democracy and our basic freedoms, a record-breaking number of people voted last year in Michigan. Young people showed up like never before. This was a very hopeful sign for our future,” she added.
Inspired by a new generation of leaders, I have decided to pass the torch in the U.S. Senate. I am announcing today that I will not seek re-election and will leave the U.S. Senate at the end of my term on January 3, 2025.
Read my full statement:https://t.co/qYJE6lyRJ3 pic.twitter.com/Fq659Aevs0
— Sen. Debbie Stabenow (@SenStabenow) January 5, 2023
I've known Deb since she was a state Senator from down river.. a very articulate and professional woman.. she's one of the best people I can say I know..
Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow won’t seek reelection in 2024https://t.co/s5wZ0d9Spw— McConnell’s empty balls sack. (@Silver_1_Spirit) January 5, 2023
“I am ‘Made in Michigan.’ My work is deeply rooted in my love of our wonderful state. Whether protecting our Great Lakes, transforming mental health services, or ensuring our state can continue to make things and grow things to be competitive in our world economy, I am proud that my accomplishments have made a difference in people’s lives and created a strong foundation for a healthy and prosperous future for our state.
“For the next two years, I am intensely focused on continuing this important work to improve the lives of Michiganders. This includes leading the passage of the next five-year Farm Bill which determines our nation’s food and agriculture policies. It is also key in protecting our land and water and creating jobs in our rural and urban communities,” the retiring senator said.
“I am so grateful for the trust the people of Michigan have placed in me. I am also deeply grateful to my incredible staff, who are the best team in the United States Senate. They continue to set the highest standards for service in Michigan and across our country.
“When my term ends, I intend to begin a new chapter in my life that includes continuing to serve our State outside of elected office while spending precious time with my amazing 96-year-old mom and my wonderful family,” she said.
The “new” generation of leaders she is speaking of likely refers to the newly minted Democrat leader in the House and his band, because it cannot possibly refer to Senate majority Leader and New York Sen. Charles Schumer.
In her last day as Speaker of the House, social media users mocked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after she appeared to struggle with her final speech on the chamber floor on Friday, with some speculating that she may have imbibed some alcohol beforehand. At one point, the California Democrat wished everyone happy holidays, including “Happy Schwanza,” which threw several users for a loop.
Pelosi ends her final speech as Speaker of the House by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah and a "Happy Shwanza" pic.twitter.com/LtcMeA8KIT
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) December 23, 2022
“Happy Shwanza to all and to all a good night,” Greg Price noted.
Rob from Long Island posited that Pelosi had just gotten a “refill.”
“Vodka is strong with this one!” quipped one user.
“Nanshee has already started with the Christmas cheer,” another noted.
“Seems like she’s had a few vodka tonics this morning,” another Twitter user observed.
“It’s called day drinking,” someone snarked.
“Kwanza + vodka = Shwanza,” yet another wrote.
It’s likely that Pelosi was attempting to say “Kwanzaa.”
