Florida Republican latest to announce retirement from Congress ahead of midterms

Rep. Dan Webster (R-FL) announced that he would not seek another term in Congress this year.

Webster, who has served three terms, revealed his retirement in a statement on Tuesday.

"After much prayerful consideration and discussion with my beloved wife Sandy, I have decided not to seek re-election to the United States House of Representatives," Webster said. "It has been an honor and privilege to represent my beloved state in the U.S. House of Representatives. I've never taken for granted my responsibility to Florida's hardworking taxpayers and families to advance common-sense reforms and principled policy. The time has come to pass the torch to the next conservative leader and spend more precious time with my wife, children and 24 grandchildren."

"I ran for office because I wanted to change public policy," the lawmaker added. "Fighting to protect our freedoms, values, life and liberty; lower taxes; invest in our veterans and active-duty military, infrastructure and precious ecosystems has energized me every day."

"To have been part of the development and passage of some most significant legislation in our time is something I will forever treasure."

Webster insisted that there was "much work left to do before this Congress closes."

"I will keep working to get bills over the finish line that will leverage private investment to finance public infrastructure projects; ensure America – not China or any other adversary – remains the leader in space exploration; and that the United States will set the standards that protect our technological advantages," he said.