Continuing what has been an exodus of Texas House Republicans to retire after their terms end, Mac Thornberry announced that he is exiting Congress before the 2020 elections.
The 13-term Congressman, who is the ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee, announced his decision on Monday in a press release.
“It has been a great honor to serve the people of the 13th District of Texas as their congressman for the last 25 years,” Thornberry said. “We are reminded, however, that ‘for everything there is a season,’ and I believe that the time has come for a change. Therefore, this is my last term in the U.S. House of Representatives.”
“With over a year to go, I will continue to represent the people of the 13th District to the best of my ability. Our nation faces many difficult challenges, and none of us can relax our efforts to meet and overcome them, whether at home or around the world,” he added.
“We are reminded, however, that “for everything there is a season,” and I believe that the time has come for a change. Therefore, this is my last term in the U.S. House of Representatives.” (2/2)
For full statement click below:https://t.co/ESL0QvdeQ7
— Mac Thornberry Press (@MacTXPress) September 30, 2019
Thornberry, 61, has served in the House since 1995 and represents one of the most solidly Republican districts in the country. During the 2016 presidential election, President Trump received 79.9% of the vote.
Democrats currently have a 37-seat majority in the lower chamber and are hoping to hang on to that majority going into the 2020 elections. Democrats are hoping the departures in Texas could help them gain more seats. Republican Reps. Pete Olson, Will Hurd, K. Michael Conaway, Kenny Marchant, and Bill Flores all announced this year that they don’t intend to seek reelection.
