Trey Gowdy not running for re-election

South Carolina Congressman Trey Gowdy announced he was not running for re-election on Wednesday.

"I will not be filing for re-election to Congress nor seeking any other political or elected office; instead I will be returning to the justice system."

Why it matters: Gowdy gained prominence in Washington for his role in running the House Select Committee on Benghazi. Gowdy also engaged in highly publicized questioning of former FBI Director James Comey during the investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails. He is the 34th House Republican that will not seek re-election.