Critz has not ruled out running for this seat again, according to a source close to the congressman. He will fare better without Obama on the ticket: The president lost by more than 16 points in this southwestern Pennsylvania district. Rep.-elect Keith Rothfus defeated Critz by 3.5 points.
More good news for Critz: His former colleague and primary opponent, Rep. Jason Altmire, announced this week that he’s accepted a private sector gig — in Florida. That means Critz would likely have a clear shot at his party’s nod in 2014.
Jose M. Hernandez | California’s 10th District
Hernandez confirmed he’s looking into a rematch against Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Calif., in either 2014 or 2016. In a phone interview, he told CQ Roll Call he’s concerned about lower Democratic turnout in midterm elections. “Is it more winnable in two years or four years?” he asked.
Hernandez, a former astronaut, lost by 5 points. House Democrats would love to see him try again next cycle. But first, Hernandez will chat with a few of his Golden State friends who won in November — including Bera, who defeated Rep. Dan Lungren, R-Calif., on his second attempt. “I’ll be picking his brain as well,” Hernandez added.
Pete Aguilar | California’s 31st District
Aguilar didn’t even make it to the November ballot. He placed third in the state’s new jungle primary, where only the top two candidates proceed to the general election.
Democrats want Aguilar, the Redlands mayor, to try again in this Democratic-leaning district. They believe he can defeat Rep. Gary G. Miller, R-Calif., on the November ballot. But like Hernandez, Aguilar won’t have the benefit of a strong turnout for the president in the Golden State in 2014.
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