Republican Rep. James Sensenbrenner said Wednesday he will not run for re-election when his term expires in January 2021.
The Wisconsin Republican has served in the House of Representatives for 40 years.
BREAKING: Wisconsin Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner has announced on The @MarkBellingShow Show that he is retiring at the end of his term in January of 2021. Podcast up soon. https://t.co/QrZzMsyNGi @JimPressOffice @newstalk1130 #wiright
— Mark Belling (@MarkBellingShow) September 4, 2019
"When I began my public service in 1968, I said I would know when it was time to step back. After careful consideration, I have determined at the completion of this term, my 21st term in Congress, it will be that time," he said in a statement.
Prior to being elected to Congress, Sensenbrenner was in the Wisconsin state legislature.
He said he’d rather retire than wait for redistricting.
“Being able to do this on my timetable rather than after a redistricting in 2022 will allow me to go out on a high note … This is just me feeling the time would be coming in the next few years, and I think this is the best time for me personally, and for both the Republican Party and for me politically," he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
His announcement makes him the 13th Republican in the House to retire, according to FoxNews.com.
Republican lawmakers past and present spoke highly of Sensenbrenner after the news.
“Jim has spent the last 50 years protecting our constitutional rights, ensuring the U.S. led the way in science and space, and fighting tirelessly for conservative principles. He is a statesman, a person of remarkable character, and his presence and wisdom will be sorely missed in Congress," former House Speaker Paul Ryan said in a statement.
Statement from former House Speaker Paul Ryan pic.twitter.com/qRv4yhxQ3c
— Matt Smith (@mattsmith_news) September 4, 2019
“[Sensenbrenner] is already a legend in @JudiciaryGOP and the House,” tweeted Rep. Doug Collins. “For 4 decades, he has legislated boldly while holding thousands of town halls with his fellow Wisconsinites. I’ll miss his insight and leadership.”
.@JimPressOffice is already a legend in @JudiciaryGOP and the House. For 4 decades, he has legislated boldly while holding thousands of town halls with his fellow Wisconsinites. I’ll miss his insight and leadership. pic.twitter.com/hE1xDOkcyp
— Rep. Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) September 5, 2019
Sensenbrenner, 76, is the second-longest serving lawmaker in the House.