Kansas GOP rep says he won't run for reelection
Rep. Jake LaTurner (R-Kan.) announced Thursday he will not run for reelection in November, adding himself to a growing list of members leaving Congress at the end of the term.
LaTurner, 36, said he is leaving the House to better focus on his family and young children. He said he will remain in office until the end of his term in January.
“The people of Kansas who elected me to serve in the United States House of Representatives have given me the professional honor of my life, but it is time to pursue other opportunities and have the benefit of spending more time with my family,” he wrote in a statement.
“Suzanne and I are the proud parents of four young children, and for us the busy schedule of serving in and running for Congress has taken a toll,” the second-term congressman continued. “The unrepeatable season of life we are in, where our kids are still young and at home, is something I want to be present for.”
Dozens of members, mostly Republicans, have chosen to leave Congress at the end of the term. Many of them cited dysfunction in the body, with little getting done between bitter fights over the Speakership and other issues.
Multiple members have also chosen to resign from office early, thinning an already slim GOP majority in the House. With the resignation of Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) earlier this month and the expected resignation of Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) Friday, the GOP has a one-vote margin in the House.
Gallagher, however, may choose to stay in the House for longer than previously announced to support a foreign aid package introduced this week, per a source familiar with the congressman.
LaTurner said the “current dysfunction” has been “distressing,” but it is not the reason he is leaving Congress.
“It has become fashionable for some to fear for the future of this country and act as though the problems we face and the divisions that exist are insurmountable, but that is just not true,” he said.
He added that he will not pursue any office this year or any state office in the 2026 elections but did not rule out involvement in politics beyond that point.
“I am hopeful that in another season of life, with new experiences and perspective, I can contribute in some small way and advocate for the issues I care most about,” the lawmaker said.
LaTurner's 2nd Congressional District covers central Kansas City and much of the east of the state. A solid red district, Republicans are expected to win the seat in November.
Date: |
Topics
Filter
-
ByteDance Says It Won't Sell U.S. TikTok
The Beijing-based company said that foreign-media reports that it is exploring the sale of TikTok “are untrue.”The Wall Street Journal - Tech - Tiktok -
Yousaf says he 'paid price' for upsetting Greens
But the outgoing first minister insists he was right to tear up the government's power-sharing agreement.BBC News - Top stories -
McConnell says he’s ready for 'chaos' in House to end
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) said Wednesday he’s ready for the “chaos” that has plagued the House for much of 2023 and 2024 to end next week, when a bipartisan group of lawmakers is expected to vote to quash a motion to oust ...The Hill - Politics -
Tiger Woods breaks down Scottie Scheffler's dominant run on PGA Tour: 'He's just that good'
Scheffler's footwork and ball-striking stands out to arguably the best to ever do itCBS Sports - Sports - Golf -
Johnson suggests he wants to lead GOP next Congress
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) suggested this week that he wants to remain at the top of the GOP in the next Congress despite fierce pushback from conservatives who are furious with his leadership style and want him gone at the end of the term — or ...The Hill - Politics -
Florida GOP Rep. Posey abruptly announces retirement
He first won his deep-red seat in 2008.Politico - Politics - Florida -
Florida GOP Rep. Posey abruptly announces retirement
He first won his deep-red seat in 2008.Politico - Politics - Florida -
Florida GOP Rep. Posey abruptly announces retirement
He first won his deep-red seat in 2008.Politico - Politics - Florida -
Florida GOP Rep. Posey abruptly announces retirement
He first won his deep-red seat in 2008.Politico - Politics - Florida -
Florida GOP Rep. Posey abruptly announces retirement
He first won his deep-red seat in 2008.Politico - Politics - Florida
More from The Hill
-
Partisan gap on abortion 'larger than ever:' Analysis
The divide between Democrats and Republicans on abortion is at its starkest point in years, according to a new survey on the issue that’s poised to play a big role in the 2024 presidential race. There’s a 50-point gap between the two major ...The Hill - Politics - Abortion -
CNN host presses NYC mayor on claims of 'outside agitators' at student protests
CNN anchor Erin Burnett pressed New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) on his claims of "outside agitators" at the recent pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University. “Do you have any ability at this point to tell us how many of those were ...The Hill - Politics -
Georgia governor signs controversial Republican-backed bill requiring cash bail for more offenses
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (D) signed a controversial bill requiring cash bail for more offenses that require cash bail Wednesday, according to a press release from his office. Senate Bill 63 (SB 3) adds offenses including racketeering, sex ...The Hill - Politics -
JD Vance says he is 'skeptical' Pence's life was in danger on Jan. 6
Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) said Wednesday he is “skeptical” that former Vice President Pence’s life was endangered during the Jan. 6, 2021, riots at the Capitol. CNN’s Kaitlan Collins asked Vance on “The Source” whether the Ohio Republican had “any ...The Hill - Politics -
GOP hardliners use rare procedural move to block leadership-backed bill
A group of hardline Republicans joined with Democrats in executing a rare procedural gambit on Wednesday that blocked a bill from being voted on in its current form, marking a small but embarrassing blow for GOP leadership. Six Republicans joined ...The Hill - Politics