Republican Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL) announced Friday that he is suspending his re-election bid and will retire from Congress ahead of the critical 2024 elections.
Posey did not say what led to the decision, Just The News reported.
The congressman’s announcement has added to the growing number of incumbents who are stepping down
This announcement comes just after the filing deadline that would have opened the seat to a primary bid.
Posey endorsed as his replacement Florida State Senate President Mike Haridopolos.
“I could remain in the job forever, and we were looking forward to another spirited campaign for a final term in office,” the 76-year-old lawmaker said in a statement.
“However, earlier this week, circumstances beyond my control now require me to suspend my re-election campaign.
“Without going into a lot of personal details, stars aligned during the past week, and Mike decided he was ready for Congress.
“I enthusiastically endorse him and will do everything I can to help him get elected,” Posey added.
Posey’s departure is just another in a troubling trend of retirements even as House Speaker Mike Johnson struggles to hold onto a majority.
Posey serves on the House Freedom Caucus and House Financial Services and as a senior member of the Science, Space & Technology Committees.
According to a report in Axios, Posey adds to the nearly two dozen GOP incumbent lawmakers who have announced they’re leaving office.
Although Posey’s age or health may have impacted his decision, the others who have stepped down have no such concerns.
Rep. Jake LaTurner (R-KS) has announced he will not seek a third term despite the 36-year-old’s reputation as an up-and-comer in the GOP.
Similarly, 40-year-old China Select Committee Chair Mike Gallagher (R-WI) has decided to leave Congress.
Even those longtime lawmakers who are powerful in the GOP have decided enough is enough.
Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) announced his departure after being ousted from leadership, NBC News reported.
“It is in this spirit that I have decided to depart the House at the end of this year to serve America in new ways,” McCarthy said.
“I know my work is only getting started.”
Although each lawmaker who leaves offers his or her own explanation, many have been speculating as to why this is happening in droves.
Failed presidential candidate Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) is blaming President Donald Trump for the rash of retirements.
“Look, my wing of the party talks about policy and about issues that will make a difference to the lives of the American people,” Romney said.
“The Trump wing of the party talks about resentments of various kinds and getting even and settling scores and revisiting the 2020 election,” Romney claimed.
In reality, Trump flushed out the RINOs like Romney, who are now angry at him for doing it.
The 2024 election cycle will be the true test of the strength of the Republican Party and its opposition to Democrats.
Regardless of these departures beforehand, Trump could usher in a down-ballot red wave anyway.