GOP Rep. Martha Roby to retire

Rep. Martha Roby (R-Ala.) announced Friday she plans to retire at the end of her term, becoming the third Republican lawmaker to announce their retirement this week.

 

“While my name will not be on the ballot in 2020, I remain committed to continuing the fight for Alabama and the people I represent until I cast my last vote on the floor of the United States House of Representatives,” she said in a statement.

 

“As we prepare to close this wonderful chapter, I extend my sincerest thanks to my husband, our children, our parents, families, friends, congressional colleagues, and staff, who all made our important work possible and offered their support every step of the way.”

{mosads}Roby was first elected in 2010 to serve Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, traditionally a Republican stronghold. 

The Alabama Republican was one of the first to retract her endorsement of now-President Trump during the 2016 election after his controversial remarks on a leaked Access Hollywood tape became public.

Despite her rebuke of Trump during his presidential bid, he ultimately endorsed Roby in her primary runoff against candidate Bobby Bright in 2018. 

She is the third GOP lawmaker to announce their retirement this week, joining Reps. Paul Mitchell (Mich.) and Pete Olson (Texas). 

Roby is one of 13 Republican women in the House, meaning the announcement comes as a blow to the GOP and the party’s efforts to elect more women.

Rep. Susan Brooks (R-Ind.), the National Republican Congressional Committee recruitment chair, announced her retirement earlier this year.

— Updated at 3:37 p.m.