U.S. Rep. Tom Graves, who represents Georgia's 14th congressional district, announced Thursday he will not seek re-election in 2020.
Graves, a Republican, announced his decision in a letter to constituents. [See the full content of the letter in the box below.]
Graves said in the letter he is "entering a new season of life" and it is time for him "to pass the baton."
Graves was first elected to Congress in a special election runoff in June 2010 to fill the position left vacant by the resignation of then-9th District Congressman Nathan Deal. Deal stepped down at the time to focus on his run for Georgia's governor's office. Graves then ran for the remainder of the term during the regular election cycle. When the state's congressional district lines were re-drawn, he then ran for the newly-formed 14th district in 2012.
Prior to his time in Congress, Graves served in the Georgia House of Representatives.
Graves is originally from White, Georgia. He and his wife currently live in Gordon County.
Friends and fellow Georgians,
The holidays are a time of reflection for each of us. Today, I'd like to share a few of my thoughts from last week as we all paused to give thanks.
My first real public service experience was watching my wife, Julie, lead a pro-life effort many years ago. It was inspiring to witness a community band together and cause real change.
Soon after, I found the courage to overcome my fears and run for office. I did so grounded in the creed my parents shared with me: Dream Big. Work Hard. Achieve Much.
I was motivated to push through the tough days of campaigning and the hardest days in office by my kids, Josephine, John and Janey.
The whole of my service was built upon the contributions of countless people; sacrifices of my family, late nights and long days from dozens of dedicated staff members, friendship of my colleagues, generosity of supporters and encouragement from constituents.
Looking back on my years in the Georgia House and now nearly a decade in Congress, I am filled with gratitude. My record is a testament to the collective effort of many talented and special people. The opportunities afforded to me - a North Georgia country boy from a single wide trailer - were far beyond my wildest dreams.
Serving the country I love so much, and representing the community I hold so dear, is an honor that won't be replicated. To my constituents, both past and present, thank you for your vote of confidence and trust. What an incredible privilege it has been to represent you in Congress.
As we all do, I'm entering a new season in life. An exciting season. So, the time has come for me to pass the baton. Now it's my turn to cheer, support and sacrifice for those who have done the same for me over the last two decades. With Julie near retirement and my kids now suddenly adults, I have decided not to seek reelection in 2020, and instead, join my family in their new and unique journeys.
I'm excited to spend the next year focused on the Committee on the Modernization of Congress. Working to improve Congress for all Americans, and all who will serve after me, seems like the perfect way to close this chapter and say, "thank you."
May God bless you, and this great and glorious cause we call America.
Freedom first,
Tom
