House Transportation Committee Chairman Sam Graves said Friday he will not seek reelection in November in order to "pass the torch" to a younger generation, ending a 26-year tenure in Congress.

The announcement comes as nearly 40 Congressional Republicans have opted out of seeking another term in national office in the upcoming midterms so far.

Graves, who was first elected to represent Missouri's sixth district in the lower chamber in 2000, said the decision to step aside was not an "easy decision, but it's the right one." 

"I believe in making room for the next generation," Graves said on X. "It’s time to pass the torch and allow a new guard of conservative leaders to step forward and chart a path forward for Missourians."

The Republican said although he is retiring from Congress, he does not plan on "slowing down" and will continue to serve out the remainder of his term "full speed ahead," including by finalizing his committee's Highway Bill. 

"Maintaining our strong democratic republic will always depend on good people stepping up to serve from every corner of our great nation," Graves said. "I’m grateful for my colleagues in both parties, for the people I’ve worked alongside, and even for the opponents who challenged me and made me better. 

"Public service isn’t easy. It takes hard work, humility, a thick skin, and a willingness to fight for what’s right," he continued. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you. It has been the honor of a lifetime."  

Graves, who did not indicate what his plans are after leaving public service, has served as the top-ranking Republican on the House Transportation Committee since 2019. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.