Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-PA) will not run for a seventh term, citing a desire to spend more time with his family, according to a statement released by his office today.
"Nearing the end of my sixth term in the House and following 12 years of public service in the Pennsylvania House and Senate, it is simply time for me to move on to new challenges and to spend more time with my wife and family, who have been extremely supportive and have made significant sacrifices during my tenure in public office," Gerlach said in a statement.
Gerlach's departure may leave Democrats with an opportunity to possibly pick up a seat in November, as Mitt Romney won his district with 51% of the vote in 2012. Democrats were already recruiting a challenger to Gerlach before the announcement was made, a democratic aide told NBC News.
Gerlach's announcement brings the number of announced retirements to 10, nine of which are Republicans.
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