2010: Chet Edwards Speaks

U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, who suffered defeat Tuesday night at the hands of Republican Bill Flores, told The Texas Tribune this evening that he has no plans to try to reclaim his seat in two years — or run for statewide office or any other elected position, including the U.S. Senate.

He wouldn't rule out future public service, but said at this point, he's coming to grips with a "national tidal wave against Washington and against Democrats."

"I can swim against the stream and have done so repeatedly, but I can't swim against a tidal wave," Edwards said in a phone interview.

Edwards said his own polls didn't reflect the 25-point margin that ultimately knocked him from the Central Texas seat he's held since 1990, noting that no poll can ever predict which voters will be the most motivated — which, this November, were "clearly those that were angry at Washington."

The Waco Democrat said his wife and sons would "strangle me if I even talked about another race at this point" but that he wouldn't rule out a future in politics. "That's not on my radar screen," he said.

Edwards said he has not had any conversations with the White House about prospective appointments, either.