GOP Rep. Kevin Brady won't run for re-election

Rep. Kevin Brady (R-Texas) announced Wednesday he will retire from Congress after serving out his term, the Texas Tribune reports.

The big picture: Brady's retirement "underscores a decline in clout over the years for Texas House Republicans and the inevitable rebuilding phase through which the Texas GOP delegation is undergoing," the Tribune writes.

• Brady is the second Texas Congress member to announce plans to retire. Democratic Rep. Filemon Vela said last month he will leave Congress after this term.

Career highlights: Brady was first elected in 1996 and represents a deep-red district in Texas that he won with 72% of the vote in 2020. He has served in Congress for over two decades.

• In 2008, he was one of 24 Republicans to vote yes on impeaching President Bush. Later, as chair of Ways and Means, he opposed a resolution to request tax returns from President Trump.
• He also played a key role in crafting the 2017 GOP tax cuts as the top Republican on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee.

What he's saying: This term, my 13th, will be my last," Brady wrote on Twitter Wednesday. "It’s a remarkable privilege to work for #TX08 in the U.S. House of Representatives. I set out to give my constituents the representation they deserve, the effectiveness they want and the economic freedom they need. I hope I delivered."

• He added: "I am optimistic about our country, because I have faith in our people. I’ve seen up close how remarkable you are, and while I am leaving Congress I am excited about our future. God Bless Texas, and God Bless the United States of America."