On Monday, Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) announced that he would not run for re-election in 2022, according to The Hill.
“Today I announce that I will not seek a seventh term in the United States Senate in 2022. For everything, there is a season,” said Shelby in the statement made on Monday.
Months of speculation followed the announcement of Shelby’s retirement, as The Associated Press reported that he would not run again.
“Although I plan to retire, I am not leaving today. I have two good years remaining to continue my work in Washington. I have the vision and the energy to give it my all,” added the 86-year-old senator.
Shelby switched parties to become Republican in 1994, but he was first elected as a Democrat in 1978, winning the election to the Senate for the first time in 1986.
He is fourth in Senate seniority, and during his time he’s scored Rules and Intelligence committee, among other panels. He was a chairman of the Appropriations Committee from April 2018 until last week, when Democrats took over the committee.
Being on top of the Appropriations Committee has placed Shelby in the middle of many government funding arguments during former President Trump’s administration, including the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
“I have been fortunate to serve in the U.S. Senate longer than any Alabamian. … In these positions of leadership, I have strived to influence legislation that will have lasting impact – creating the conditions for growth and opportunity,” said Shelby.
Republicans are closely watching to see if any other members will run in 2022, as they are defending 20 Senate seats, compared to 14 Democrat seats.
Several republicans have announced their retirement including Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Pat Toomey (R-Pa) and Richard Burr(R-N.C.), with Shelby being the last of them.
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