Another Texas congressman planning to retire

Rep. Kenny Marchant (R-Texas) announced Monday that he will not seek reelection, making him the fourth GOP lawmaker from Texas to retire in the last few weeks.

Marchant sent a statement out Monday morning thanking his constituents, family and fellow lawmakers. 

“It is time for me to announce that I will not seek another term as Congressman from the 24th District of Texas,” Marchant said. “I am looking forward to finishing out my term and then returning to Texas to start a new chapter.”

{mosads}Marchant, 68, was elected to Congress in 2004 and later became a founding member of the House Tea Party Caucus. He previously served in the Texas state House for nine terms.

He said he is excited to return to Texas full-time following the end of his term.

“I want to thank the constituents of the 24th District of Texas for letting me serve and I look forward to being back in Texas full time,” Marchant said.

Marchant’s retirement follows those of other Texas GOP Reps. Will Hurd, Mike Conaway and Pete Olson. Hurd is the only black Republican currently serving in the House.

Democrats think they can make some gains in these districts and add to their majority in the House.

While Marchant’s district used to be reliably red, he won reelection by just 3 points in 2018. President Trump won Marchant’s district in 2016 by six points.

Marchant brings the number of House Republicans now planning to retire or seek another office next year to 11.

Updated at 8:38 a.m.