Two GOP U.S. Representatives Announce Retirement

U.S. Representatives Tom Graves (R-GA) and Duncan Hunter (R-CA) have announced their retirement, with Representative Graves not seeking re-election in 2020 and U.S. Representative Hunter’s resignation taking effect after the holidays this year.

As reported by The Hill for Tom Graves:

“Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ga.) announced Thursday he will not seek reelection next year. 

Graves, 49, said that after some reflection he decided it was time to ‘pass the baton,’ but said he will serve out the rest of his term. 

[…]

The Georgia Republican was first elected to the House in 2009 after having served in the Georgia House of Representatives. Graves — one of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s (R-Calif.) closest allies— sits on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and serves as the vice chairman of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress.

[…]

Graves is the 21st GOP lawmaker to announce their retirement in the 116th Congress. 

Republicans are expected to easily retain the deep-red district, based on ratings by the nonpartisan political handicapper Cook Political Report.”

As reported by Axios on Duncan Hunter:

“Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) announced his resignation from congress on Friday, three days after pleading guilty to misusing campaign funds.

The state of play: Hunter’s exit also comes a day after the house ethics committee instructed him to stop voting in light of his guilty plea. Hunter’s plea agreement said he and his wife spent over $150,000 of campaign funds on personal expenses, including meals and luxury vacations, per CBS news.

‘Shortly after the holidays I will resign from Congress. It has been an honor to serve the people of California’s 50th district, and I greatly appreciate the trust they have put in me over these last 11 years.’

— Duncan Hunter’s statement on Friday, per CNBC”