Florida Rep. Posey becomes the latest Congressman to announce his retirement

Congressman Bill Posey, R-Fla., announced that he will be retiring from office, adding him to the list of House lawmakers not seeking re-election.

“It has been the greatest honor of Katie’s and my life to represent you in Congress," Posey wrote in a statement on Friday. “And, polls suggest that because of YOUR support, I could remain in the job forever, and we were looking forward to another spirited campaign for a final term in office. However, earlier this week circumstances beyond my control now require me to suspend my re-election campaign."

Posey has represented Florida's 8th Congressional District since 2008. He said that his main priority is helping former President Donald Trump get elected in 2024.

According to The Hill, there are 12 Democratic House members retiring from office and 17 Republicans. There are 12 more Democratic House members running for other offices, and five House Republicans doing the same.

Posey said his goal was to have former Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos take his seat. 

“For many years, Mike has served as my Congressional Finance Committee Chairman, while I have mentored him to replace me,” Posey stated. “Mike was, and remains, my first choice to represent you, me, and our district in Congress.”

Three of the 17 retiring Republican representatives have already left office: Mike Gallagher, Wisc., Ken Buck, Colo., and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Calif., leaving the GOP with a one-vote majority in the House.