Former Arizona state lawmaker Travis Grantham announced on Wednesday that he won’t be running for Congress after all because he’s been called to active duty with the Air Force.
Last year, Grantham threw his hat in the ring to run for Congress in District 5, which encompasses most of the East Valley.
But duty called for Grantham, a lieutenant colonel with the Arizona Air National Guard. The Republican announced Wednesday that he’s been called to active duty, but told KJZZ he couldn’t comment on the reason for his deployment.
The U.S. is currently engaged in combat with Iran.
“There is no way to take on both responsibilities at the same time, and we have no idea how long I will remain on active status,” Grantham said in a statement. “What I do know is that victory is the only acceptable outcome, so I will gladly do whatever is asked of me for however long it is needed. It is an honor to serve.”
Grantham didn’t rule out running for office again someday.
Grantham was first elected to the state legislature in 2016 and served in the state House of Representatives until this year.
The district’s incumbent, GOP Congressman Andy Biggs, is running for governor rather than seeking reelection.
Former Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb is also running in the district with President Trump’s endorsement.
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