Foreign Affairs Chair Lantos to Retire Due to Cancer

Rep. Tom Lantos, D-Calif., the powerful chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, will not seek reelection after being diagnosed with esophageal cancer.

Lantos, who was born in Budapest, Hungary, is the only survivor of the Holocaust elected to Congress.  He was first elected to Congress in 1980. 

Lantos was a supporter of the Iraq war initially, but has been increasingly critical of the war.  He has been known as a strong supporter of same-sex marriage and a champion of the environment.

Lantos represents parts of San Francisco and San Mateo County.