State Rep. Caleb Hemmer made the surprising announcement earlier this week that he won't seek reelection next year.
Why it matters: Hemmer is just 45 years old, an age when politicians don't typically walk away from elected office.
What he's saying: The Democrat tells Axios that a year ago at this time, he envisioned himself running for governor in 2026.
Instead, he says he wants to spend more time with his family and focus on his day job as a health care executive.
"People view this as a lifetime job, and I just never viewed it that way," Hemmer says. "I viewed it as a tour of duty and my way to give back."
State of play: Hemmer will serve out his term, including representing the district covering parts of western and southern Davidson County during the upcoming session.
The district's electoral makeup favors Democrats, but Republicans figure to push hard for the open seat.
