Sen. Mike Enzi is retiring.
The Wyoming Republican announced Saturday he will not seek a fifth term in 2020.
“I have much to get done in the next year and a half,” he said. “I want to focus on budget reform. I don’t want to be burdened by the distractions of another campaign. After this year, I’ll find other ways to serve.”
Enzi was first elected in 1996 to replace Sen. Al Simpson, and serves as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee. In his 22 years in the Senate, he has also served as chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.
He pointed Saturday to his record of championing bipartisan legislation. “I didn’t get into the Senate for the fancy titles,” he said. “I like passing legislation.”
The 75-year-old made the announcement in his hometown of Gillette, Wyo., where he started his political career in 1975 as mayor. He also served in both houses of the Wyoming state legislature.
“Mike Enzi’s character, courage and credibility have made him a respected moral leader in the U.S. Senate. In four terms in the Senate he has never wavered in his commitment to God, family or Wyoming,” said Sen. John Barrasso in a statement released Saturday. “The Senate and Wyoming will miss the valued leadership of the trusted trail boss of our congressional delegation.”
The seat is considered safe for Republicans.
