Georgia Republican Drew Ferguson says he won’t run for reelection

Rep. Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.) announced Thursday he will not run for reelection, adding to a growing number of lawmakers opting to retire from office.

Ferguson, 57, did not provide a reason for his decision but said he looks forward to spending more time with his family.

“Upon the conclusion of the 118th Congress, I will be retiring from the House of Representatives,” Ferguson said. “Serving the wonderful constituents of Georgia’s Third District has been the honor of a lifetime. I have been blessed to have worked with such a talented and dedicated staff in my District and D.C. offices.”

“Georgia is truly a special place, and it’s calling us home. Julie and I look forward to spending more time with our children and grandchildren while continuing to work to keep Georgia the best state in America to live and do business,” he added.

Ferguson, in his statement, highlighted his work on the Ways and Means Committee and said he was “honored” to serve as the chief deputy whip.

“I’ve also been proud to advance policies addressing antimicrobial resistance and the battle we are facing with a mental health crisis,” he added.

His announcement comes after a turbulent few months for Republicans after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was removed from his leadership role in a historic vote. His ouster catapulted the GOP-led House into weeks of votes and tense conference meetings to try to find a replacement.

Ferguson was among several members who reported receiving death threats after casting a controversial vote. He switched his vote to oppose House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan’s (R-Ohio) candidacy for Speaker after he said the chair’s “threatening tactics” concerned him.

“The House Republican conference does not need a bully as the Speaker,” Ferguson said at the time.

He announced the death threats in a post on X, formerly Twitter, writing, “Shortly after casting that [second] vote, my family and I started receiving death-threats. That is simply unacceptable, unforgivable, and will never be tolerated.”