Aug 30, 2019 - Politics & Policy

Rep. John Shimkus marks 14th GOP lawmaker to retire this year

Orion Rummler

In this image, Rep. Shimkus is sitting and speaking while wearing glasses and gesturing with one hand. — Rep. John Shimkus at a committee hearing on April 2, 2019 Photo: Zach Gibson/Getty Images

Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill.), ranking member of the environment and climate change subcommittee, announced on Friday that he will retire and not seek re-election, the Washington Post reports.

The big picture: He is the 14th GOP lawmaker to announce a resignation, retirement or change of office this year, per the Post. His seat is likely to remain Republican.

"It has been the honor of my lifetime to be asked by the people of Illinois to represent them in our nation’s capitol. Each day I have tried to do this as best as I possibly could, and my success lies squarely at the feet of my incredible staff in Illinois and Washington, D.C.

"I will leave the political field knowing that I have served honorably and, with the help of many, accomplished a lot for my constituents, our state, and our nation."

— Shimkus in a Facebook post on Friday

Go deeper: Will Hurd, the only black GOP representative, announces retirement

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Rep. John Shimkus marks 14th GOP lawmaker to retire this year

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