Tennessee US Senator Becomes Latest Republican to Not Run for Re-Election

Trump Critic 

Tennessee U.S. Senator Bob Corker is the latest Republican to announce he will not seek re-election next year.

“After much thought, consideration and family discussion over the past year, Elizabeth and I have decided that I will leave the United States Senate when my term expires at the end of 2018,” said Corker, who made headlines for days after strongly criticizing President Trump.

“When I ran for the Senate in 2006, I told people that I couldn’t imagine serving for more than two terms. Understandably, as we have gained influence, that decision has become more difficult. But I have always been drawn to the citizen legislator model, and while I realize it is not for everyone, I believe with the kind of service I provide, it is the right one for me,” he added.

“I also believe the most important public service I have to offer our country could well occur over the next 15 months, and I want to be able to do that as thoughtfully and independently as I did the first 10 years and nine months of my Senate career.”

Corker, who had said Trump “has not demonstrated that he understands what has made this nation great,” chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Here’s a news report from August on Corker’s criticisms of Trump:

In a time when the GOP controls the House, Senate, and the White House, it is surprising to see so many Republicans choosing to not face voters next year.

Well over a dozen House Republicans have announced they are not seeking re-election also. They include U.S. Congressmen Dave Trott (R-MI), Charlie Dent (R-PA), Dave Reichert (R-WA), Steve Pearce (R-NM), and Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL). Rep. Jason Chaffetz of Utah earlier this year announced he would not seek re-election, and left Congress in June. 

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