Rep. Matt Salmon won’t seek reelection

Rep. Matt Salmon (R-Ariz.), a founding member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, announced Thursday that he won’t seek reelection.

Salmon previously served in the House from 1995 to 2001, fulfilling his pledge to only serve three terms. He later returned in 2013, and is now leaving after two terms.

{mosads}In a statement, Salmon said he wants to spend more time with his family.

“The most important job I have is that of husband and father, and over the years I’ve missed far too many opportunities to spend time with my family,” Salmon said. “I truly believe that they should come first in my life, and after much soul-searching I’ve decided against running for reelection.”

Some Tea Party-aligned groups had been urging Salmon to mount a primary challenge against veteran Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) this year, but Salmon decided against it.

Salmon is the 23rd House member to announce retirement at the end of this Congress. His seat is in a deep-red district that is expected to remain in Republican hands.