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Rep. Ed PerlmutterEdwin (Ed) George PerlmutterCongress to take up marijuana reform this spring Photos of the Week: Former Sen. Dole lies in state, Capitol sunset and Instagrinch Group aligned with House GOP leadership targeting nine Democrats on spending vote MORE (D-Colo.)said Monday he will retire from Congress after his current term, joining more than two dozen otherHouseDemocrats who have announced they will not seek reelection ahead of this year's midterm elections.

Perlmutter, 68, said in a statement that he has never shied away from a challenge but its time for me to move on and explore other opportunities.

There comes a time when you pass the torch to the next generation of leaders. Im deeply gratified that our bench in the 7th District is deep and fortunately we have a strong group of leaders who are ready and able to take up that torch, he added.

After much thought and consideration, I have decided not to run for reelection. Its been a privilege and honor of a lifetime to serve Colorado, the state I love and have always called home. pic.twitter.com/42vwPpN3cQ

Perlmutter's announcement follows Colorado's new congressional maps, which cut the 7th District from a 15-point Democratic lean to just 6 points,according to FiveThirtyEight.

The eight-term congressman said that despite his retirement, the district has the best of Colorado in it and even though the numbers are slightly tighter we will win.

Perlmutter is now the 26th House Democrat to announce plans for retirementfrom the House. By comparison, 13 House Republicans have announced they won't seek reelection.

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC)added Perlmutter to its list of vulnerable Democrats in Novemberafter GOP candidate Glenn YoungkinGlenn YoungkinPandemic pushes teachers unions to center stage ahead of midterms Overnight Energy & Environment Virginia gears up for fight on Trump-era official Virginia Democrats prepare for rare confirmation fight over Wheeler MOREs win in the Virginia gubernatorial race.

Republicans have to flip just five seats to win control of the House in November.

NRCC spokeswoman Courtney Parellaargued that Perlmutter made the smart decision to retire rather than lose reelection in November, adding that the congressman knows House Democrats wont be in the majority after the midterm elections.

Perlmutter,who first entered Congress in 2007, touted a number of efforts during his time in the House,including pushing to expand renewable energy research, grow his states aerospace community and complete the VA Medical Center in Aurora.

The masthead of the Denver Post once said, Tis a privilege to live in Colorado and indeed it is, Perlmutter wrote. Its been a privilege and honor of a lifetime to serve Colorado, the state I love and have always called home.

House Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiSALT change on ice in the Senate Lawmakers take stock of election laws in wake of Jan. 6 anniversary Sunday shows - Voting rights in the spotlight after Jan. 6 anniversary MORE (D-Calif.)called Perlmutter a relentless advocate for Colorados top priorities, and said he showeddevoted leadership to the country and his constituents during his time in Congress.

He has brought to the Congress good faith and an open mind to help advance progress for American families while never unwilling to stand his ground, she added in a statement.

This story was updated at 4:56 p.m.

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Rep. Perlmutter says he won't seek reelection in November | TheHill - The Hill