JUST IN: Yet Another GOP Lawmaker Announces Unexpected Retirement

Yet another GOP lawmaker has unexpectedly announced his retirement from Congress.

Rep. Jake LaTurner (R-KS) has announced that he will not be seeking re-election this November. This threatens the GOP majority, which is now in critical condition.

Rep. Jake LaTurner shared this statement with a copy of a press release:

“After much prayer and consideration, I have decided not to run for reelection to the House this fall.

With gratitude in my heart for the people of Kansas, my staff, friends, and family, and most importantly, a loving God, who has blessed me beyond measure, I look forward to serving the remainder of my term and look to the future with confidence.”

After much prayer and consideration, I have decided not to run for reelection to the House this fall.
 
With gratitude in my heart for the people of Kansas, my staff, friends, and family, and most importantly, a loving God, who has blessed me beyond measure, I look forward to… pic.twitter.com/CxhwWo48Rf

— Rep. Jake LaTurner (@RepLaTurner) April 18, 2024

The Associated Press explained:

LaTurner’s announcement leaves Republicans with no declared candidates in a district he likely would have had little trouble winning again.

While the district includes Democratic strongholds in the state capital of Topeka and northern Kansas City, they’re offset by rural areas that heavily favored former President Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020.

Kansas Senator Jerry Moran issued this statement in response to LaTurner’s announcement:

“I am sad to know that come January, Kansans in the second district will no longer be represented by Congressman Jake LaTurner.

Jake cares so much about the wellbeing of Kansans and has worked to do what is right for them and all Americans.”

I am sad to know that come January, Kansans in the second district will no longer be represented by Congressman Jake LaTurner. Jake cares so much about the wellbeing of Kansans and has worked to do what is right for them and all Americans. https://t.co/lwprqIqj7F

— Senator Jerry Moran (@JerryMoran) April 18, 2024

Axios added:

LaTurner makes nearly 20 House Republican who have left or are planning to leave Congress without immediate plans to run for another office. Another five are seeking higher office.