Longtime Republican Rep. Peter King not seeking re-election in 2020
Posted: Updated:Longtime Republican Rep. Peter King has announced that he will not seek re-election in 2020.
Rep. King made the announcement Monday morning on Facebook.
He wrote that after 28 years of spending four days a week in Washington for 14 terms in Congress, he's looking forward to ending his weekly commute, and spending time at home in Seaford and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
King added that he wants to step away while he and his wife remain in good health.
He also wrote that he will miss fighting for people in the 2nd District.
The Seaford congressman is one of nearly two dozen Republicans in the House to announce their retirement ahead of the 2020 election. But King says he's not running from the next race, pointing to strong poll numbers and a formidable campaign war chest. Instead, King says it's just time, especially after his daughter, former Hempstead Town Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney, moved to North Carolina with her family after her husband's job prompted them to relocate.
MORE: Hempstead Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney to drop re-election bid, move out of state
King says he did talk to President Donald Trump, who was disappointed but wished him well. He says he will vote against impeachment, just as he did when former President Bill Clinton was ultimately impeached, and King says he will serve the rest of his term in office until Dec. 31 of next year.
Democrat Liuba Grechen Shirley, who lost to King last year, says she's mulling another run. Political consultant Michael Dawidziak says many others will likely do the same.
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