Rep. Jake LaTurner Says He’s Retiring
Kansas Representative Jake LaTurner announced on Thursday that he will not be seeking reelection in November, joining a growing list of members leaving Congress at the end of their term.
The 36-year-old Republican stated that he wants to better focus on his family and young children, and will remain in office until the end of his term in January. In a statement, LaTurner thanked the people of Kansas for giving him the "professional honor" of serving in the United States House of Representatives but said that it was time to pursue other opportunities.
Explaining his decision, LaTurner cited the demands of his job and the toll it has taken on his family life. He and his wife Suzanne are proud parents of four young children and he wants to be present for them during this important time in their lives. While he acknowledged that the current state of dysfunction in Congress has been distressing, it was not the primary reason for his departure. He stated that while some may fear for the future of the country, he believes that the problems we face are not insurmountable.
LaTurner also clarified that he will not be running for any office this year or any state office in the 2026 elections. However, he did not rule out future involvement in politics, mentioning that he may contribute in some small way or advocate for issues he cares about in another season of life with new experiences and perspectives. His announcement comes as a surprise to many, as he has only served two terms in the House and is seen as a rising star in the Republican party.
The departure of LaTurner is yet another blow to the already thin Republican majority in the House. With his resignation, as well as the expected resignation of Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) on Friday, the GOP will have a one-vote margin in the House. There have been multiple resignations in recent months, mostly by Republicans, citing the dysfunction in Congress as a major factor. These resignations have further exacerbated the divide and made it difficult for the House to pass any significant legislation.
LaTurner's 2nd Congressional District covers central Kansas City and a large portion of eastern Kansas. It is traditionally a solidly red district, meaning that the Republican Party is expected to easily retain the seat in the upcoming November election.
LaTurner's decision to step down could potentially open the door for a new rising star in the Republican Party to take his place and continue to represent the district. It remains to be seen who will fill LaTurner's seat, but with the district's history and political leanings, it is likely that the Republican Party will maintain control.
While his tenure in Congress may have been brief, LaTurner has made an impact during his time in office. He has been a vocal advocate for conservative values and has been instrumental in pushing for legislation that reflects the beliefs and priorities of his constituents. His departure will undoubtedly leave a void in the Kansas delegation, but it also presents an opportunity for a new leader to step up and continue to fight for the issues that matter to the people of Kansas.
As the 2022 midterm elections approach, LaTurner's decision to leave office may raise questions about the future of the Republican Party and the state of politics in general. With several high-profile departures and a deeply divided Congress, it is clear that there are significant challenges to be faced in the coming years. However, LaTurner's departure also serves as a reminder that family and personal values are important and should not be sacrificed for political gain.
Whether he returns to politics or not, LaTurner's dedication to his family and his constituents should be commended and serve as an example for others to follow.