Representative Matt Salmon announced today he will not seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016.
In a press release, Salmon said his decision stemmed from a desire to spend more time with his family.
The conservative Arizona lawmaker represents the fifth congressional district which covers parts of Gilbert, Chandler and Mesa.
Salmon said, “After much soul searching, I’ve decided against running for re-election."
First elected to the House in 1994, Salmon served three terms before retiring his seat in 2000. In 2012, he ran and was elected to the House once more.
There's already a candidate eyeing Salmon's soon-to-be empty seat.
Shortly after Salmon's announcement, Arizona Senate President Andy Biggs released a statement stating his intention to run for the congressman’s seat in the fifth. He also announced that Salmon would serve as his campaign chair, saying, “I am honored to have his full support for my campaign.”
Biggs served in the Arizona House of Representatives for eight years before being elected to the State Senate in 2010.
