NEWNow you can listen to Fox News articles!
Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election for a seventh term, becoming the latest Republican lawmaker to step aside amid a growing wave of GOP retirements ahead of the next election cycle.
Loudermilk released a statement announcing his retirement, saying it had been a “great honor” to represent the people of Northwest Georgia for six terms.
He also said that during his tenure, he focused on supporting the US Constitution and representing the 11th Congressional District.
“I first ran for Congress in 2014 and, as I said at the time, representing the people in Congress is a service, not a job; and while I continue to have strong support from the people of the 11th Congressional district, I believe it is time to contribute to my community, state, and nation in other ways,” he said. “Therefore, I have decided not to seek re-election at the end of my current term in Congress.”
HOUSE GOP MAJOR IN LEADERSHIP AS DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS UNDERWAY
Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., speaks during the House Select Subcommittee on Jan. 6 at the Rayburn House Office Building on Jan. 14, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images)
Loudermilk said he learned throughout his life that doing the right thing is not always easy, popular or easy, and that he and his wife prayed and discussed the decision extensively.
“This is not an easy decision, but we believe it is the right one,” he said. “While serving my members in Congress is among my greatest honors, being a husband, father and grandfather is very important to me, and right now I wish to spend more time devoted to my family.”
He concluded by thanking the people of his district for allowing him to work, as well as his employees for the “excellent work” they have done for the district, the state and the nation.
REP. LAMALFA’S DEATH HAS REDUCED HOUSE REPUBLICAN MAJORS
Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., is the chairman of the House Administration Subcommittee hearing on “Oversight of the Office of the Inspector General of Police in the US Capitol” on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. (Getty Images)
Loudermilk’s decision comes as lawmakers in both parties grapple with the rigors of another election cycle, with redistricting, a primary calendar and mounting political decisions ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Loudermilk is at least the 29th Republican to announce plans not to seek re-election at the end of the current term, part of a broader wave of departures from the House. Twenty-one House Democrats have also announced they will not seek re-election.
REP. LAMALFA’S DEATH HAS REDUCED HOUSE REPUBLICAN MAJORS
Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., will attend the House Ways and Means Committee’s markup of the reconciliation order for the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Concurrent Resolution in the Longworth House Office Building on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (Bill Clark/Getty Images)
Last Tuesday, Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., said he would not seek re-election, ending a decade-long career in Washington at the age of 74.
“After 20 years of working, I believe it is the right time for me to pass the torch and start a new chapter in my life,” said Buchanan in a statement.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
Other Republicans not seeking re-election include Reps. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, and Troy Nehls, R-Texas.
Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.
