WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson, representing Utah’s 4th Congressional District, announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election. Matheson’s announcement was made via his own Facebook in a status post made around 12:30 p.m. and posted as a press release on his website. The announcement said:

When I launched my first campaign in 1999, I knew that the arc of my public service would have many chapters. It has been a tremendous privilege to serve the people of Utah during my time in the United States House of Representatives, but my time in the House should not be the sum total of my service. Today, I am announcing that I will not seek reelection to the House of Representatives.

Public service has been integral to my life for as long as I can remember. I was raised to value the honor in public service and the responsibility of holding the public trust. My time in Congress has only strengthened these beliefs.

I take the role of representative seriously and intend to conclude this chapter of my service to our state in the same way I have always approached my job. You can count on me to work hard, to solve problems, to achieve progress and to put Utah first. While at the end of 2014 my tenure in the House of Representatives will come to an end, my duty to our state and our country will undoubtedly continue.

There are many people who have shared this incredible journey who have my respect and gratitude. I want to thank the people from every corner of our state who placed their trust in my stewardship. It has been a great honor to serve as your representative. I also want to thank my staff for their commitment, loyalty, and hard work. Finally, I want to thank my wife Amy and my sons Will and Harris for their love, support and shared belief in the importance of service.

U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch, the most senior member of the Utah Congressional delegation, issued the following statement:

During my 37 years in the United States Congress, I’d be hard pressed to name someone who I’ve enjoyed serving alongside of more than Jim Matheson. While we didn’t agree on everything, you always knew that Jim was doing what he sincerely felt was best for our state. From public land rights to standing up for Hill Air Force Base to fighting against Obamacare, I’ve been proud to stand with Jim on behalf of Utahns and the values we hold dear. Jim and I have represented Utah together for 13 years, and I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him and his family for much longer. I wish Jim, his beautiful wife Amy, and their sons Will and Harris much love and success in whatever comes next for their family.

U.S. Rep. Chris Stewart, representing Utah’s 2nd Congressional District, issued the following statement:

I was surprised to hear the news that Rep. Jim Matheson will be retiring next year. While we may not always agree on legislation, he is a public servant whom I respect and have enjoyed working alongside. He has always worked hard to do what he believes is best for his constituents and the state of Utah. I wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors and know that he will be greatly missed within our delegation.

According to Utah Policy, Dave Hansen, campaign manager for Mia Love who ran against Matheson in 2012, said: “I had a suspicion this kind of thing might happen, but I thought he would make the announcement much earlier than this. Whatever his motivation, I’m sure we haven’t seen the end of Jim Matheson in Utah politics.”

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