U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), who represents Georgia’s 11th Congressional District, including Gordon County, announced he will not seek re-election to a seventh term in Congress.
In a statement released this week, Loudermilk said serving Northwest Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives has been “a tremendous honor,” noting that throughout his six terms he has focused on upholding the Constitution and representing the values of the district and the state of Georgia.
Loudermilk, who was first elected to Congress in 2014, said his decision reflects his long-held belief that public office is a service rather than a career.
“Although I continue to have strong support from the people of the Eleventh Congressional District, I believe it is time to contribute to my community, state, and nation in other ways,” Loudermilk said. “Therefore, I have decided not to seek re-election at the end of my current term in Congress.”
He said the decision was made after extensive discussion and prayer with his wife, calling it a difficult but necessary choice. Loudermilk cited his desire to spend more time with his family, saying that being a husband, father, and grandfather now takes priority.
While reflecting on his time in office, Loudermilk thanked the residents of the 11th District for the opportunity to serve, as well as his congressional staff for their years of service to the district, state, and nation.
Loudermilk will complete his current term before leaving office.