Sen. Rob Portman announces he will not run for re-election in 2022

Photo of Sen. Rob Portman. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Republican Sen. Rob Portman of Ohio announced Monday morning that he will not seek re-election after finishing his current term, which ends in 2022. 

In a press release, Portman highlighted his intentions to use the remainder of his term to continue ongoing projects. 

“Over the next two years, I look forward to being able to focus all my energy on legislation and the challenges our country faces rather than on fundraising and campaigning,” he wrote in the press release.

Portman is currently the top Republican on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

He said he looks forward to spending more time in Ohio and becoming more engaged with public policy issues. He also cited his desire to spend more time with his family as an additional reason for not pursuing another term. 

“Jane and our three children have been 100 percent supportive, but I am really looking forward to being home in Ohio full time, seeing family and friends more and getting back to the private sector, including being able to be more involved in the community and in our family business,” he wrote.

President Barack Obama signed 68 of Portman’s bills, and 82 of his bills were signed into law by President Donald Trump. His bills have dealt with a wide range of issues, from drug abuse to energy efficiency. 

Portman has been involved in public service for 30 years. In addition to serving as a senator for the past 10 years, Portman also spent 12 years in the House representing Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District.