California GOP Lawmaker Announces She's Stepping Down for 'Other Goals'

Former California Republican Congresswoman Michelle Steel has announced she will not seek re-election to Congress, citing that she has 'other goals' and did not want to be a distraction from her future endeavors. Steel lost her re-election bid in November by just over 600 votes to Democrat Rep. Derek Tran. The decision comes after Steel served one term in office, which was marked by controversy following allegations of academic dishonesty. Steel's decision is seen as a departure from the typical pattern of lawmakers seeking re-election rather than retiring or running for higher office.