Indiana Rep. Susan Brooks (R) has revealed that she will not pursue reelection during the 2020 election cycle.
“While it may not be time for the party, it’s time for me personally,” the four-term Republican representative explained to USA TODAY. “This really is not about the party. It’s not about the politics. It’s just about, `How do I want to spend the next chapter of my life?'"
Including Rep. Brooks, the Republican Party currently has 13 female legislators in the House of Representatives, according to USA TODAY’s article, which also noted that the congresswoman is “the head of GOP recruitment for 2020.”
National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Chairman Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) released a statement:
Susan Brooks is a good friend and has been nothing short of phenomenal leading the NRCC’s candidate recruitment. I am very pleased that her decision to spend more time with her family after this election cycle will not affect her role heading up our recruitment efforts.
When we look back, Susan’s legacy will be that she played an instrumental role in leaving our new Republican majority far more diverse than it was when she found it.
Susan has assured me that she will be increasing her recruitment efforts, so we are full steam ahead.
Rep. Brooks told USA TODAY that she will not be seeking another elected position in another branch of government.
"Brooks said that while she doesn't know what her next chapter will be, she knows she's ready to slow down and spend more time with her family. And that means no more bids for Congress or any other elected office — including the position of governor that she sought in 2016," the paper reports.
“It’s a bit of a selfish decision. I appreciate that,” Brooks told USA Today. “But I also think what people need to appreciate is, once you enter elected office, it’s OK to walk away. It’s OK to break the rules and not stay in the game until you’re defeated or something bad happens in your career.”
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy released the following statement about the congresswoman’s decision not to run for reelection:
Susan is a dear friend who has served her district and our country with great distinction. On issues from education to biodefense to combatting human trafficking to standing with victims of sexual assault, she embodies what leadership in public service is meant to be. She has taken bold and principled positions and pushed our conference to understand the challenges and opportunities our country faces. Her presence, advice, and sound judgment will be missed in the next Congress, but I wish her and her family only the best when they embark on their next chapter.