Republican U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner won't seek reelection after two terms in Congress

U.S. Rep. Jake LaTurner, R-Kansas, announced that he won't seek reelection after the end of his term, which expires at the end of the year.

LaTurner is leaving after two terms representing Kansas’ 2nd Congressional District, which includes much of the eastern portion of the state, including Topeka.

LaTurner said he's leaving office to spend more time with his family after several busy years in Washington, D.C.

"The people of Kansas who elected me to serve in the United States House of Representatives have given me the professional honor of my life, but it is time to pursue other opportunities and have the benefit of spending more time with my family," LaTurner said in a press release.

"Suzanne and I are the proud parents of four young children, and for us the busy schedule of serving in and running for Congress has taken a toll. The unrepeatable season of life we are in, where our kids are still young and at home, is something I want to be more present for."

He served as a Kansas state senator from 2013-17 representing the 13th district in southeastern Kansas before being appointed as state treasurer in 2017.

In both of those offices, LaTurner was a fresh face. He was the youngest member of the Kansas Senate when he took office and was the youngest statewide official in the country when appointed state treasurer.

LaTurner thanked his family, friends and the staff who supported him during his time in Washington. He also messaged against political nihilism and offered a message of hope and optimism for the future of the country.

"Undoubtedly, the current dysfunction on Capitol Hill is distressing, but it almost always has been; we just didn't see most of it," he said. "I remain optimistic about the future of this country, not only because we have overcome more significant obstacles in the past, but that the vast majority of people I have served with are good and trying to do the right thing, and because our founders, divinely inspired, understood human nature and created this republic to endure."

He ruled out a run for both the 2024 elections or statewide elections in 2026, but said he hopes in the future he can "contribute in some small way and advocate for the issues I care most about."

No Republican candidate has filed yet to run for his congressional seat. On the Democrat side, Eli Woody has filed.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas Republican US Rep. Jake LaTurner to vacate seat at end of term