(CNN)Rep. Tom Graves, a Republican representing Georgia's 14th Congressional District, announced Friday afternoon that he is planning to step down from Congress in October.
"With the House planning to wrap up the People's business and the final report from the Modernization Committee set to be filed in the next few weeks, I intend to step down from Congress and begin the next chapter of life in October," Graves said in a statement.
He added, "Congress is going into a long recess and my committee work will be complete. In short, my work will be done. I'm announcing this today to avoid surprises, and it just doesn't seem right to kill time on the taxpayer dime."
Graves had already announced last year that he was not seeking reelection in November, but his announcement means he will depart the House early.
The news comes hours after the Democratic candidate running to replace Graves -- who was set to face Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Republican candidate with a history of incendiary and conspiracy-spreading comments -- dropped out of the race on Friday.
Read More
Greene's GOP primary runoff victory last month put her in a strong position to win in the fall in Georgia's 14th District -- a solid Republican seat, according to Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales, which President Donald Trump won in the 2016 presidential election. While she is now running unopposed, the Democratic Party is able to pick a new candidate to run against Greene, who has raised controversy stemming from several incendiary statements over mask-wearing, guns and her past promotion of the wild and unsubstantiated conspiracy theory known as QAnon.
Graves is currently serving his fifth full term in Congress.
At least 23 Republicans have announced they will not seek reelection to the House, compared to at least six Democrats. Those numbers don't include members who have announced plans to seek a different office.
Paid Content
This Watch surprises the whole country. The price? Ridiculous!… News Gadget
China: New WiFi Booster Stops Expensive Internet redtechportal.com
Where Do The Richest Americans Live? Mansion Global 00:15
How can we harness our collective energy? Siemens Energy
Actor Sylvester Stallone Selling La Quinta, California, Villa at a Loss Mansion Global
Porsche-Designed Superyacht, Royal Falcon One, Hits the Market Mansion Global
9 Reasons Your Nonprofit Needs a Chatbot Chatfuel
Startup Launches Dream Analysis Chatbot to Improve People’s Mental Health Chatfuel
CNN International - Videos Fox News host contradicts network reporter on Donald…
U.S. Video shows USPS mail being dumped in a California parking…
U.S. Sole survivor of Kenosha protests shootings speaks out for first time
Politics How McConnell is maneuvering to keep the Senate in GOP hands -…
Business Netflix CEO Reed Hastings: I had been lying when I said 'family is most important'
Business Stock market bloodbath: Dow and Nasdaq plummet in the worst day since June
World White House says AstraZeneca vaccine trial pause is showing that "science is guiding the way"
Politics Chris Cuomo to Trump: You knew you were full of it
Politics Store owner rejects Trump's invite. See who appeared with him instead
Politics Trump supporter died from virus. His daughter has a message for Trump
A Modern Southern California Home With Moroccan Flair Mansion Global
Why Your Business Needs a Messenger Chatbot Chatfuel
Rising Waters on Lake Michigan Are Threatening Luxury Homes Mansion Global
Full-Floor Penthouse at the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, Sells for $21… Mansion Global
How Nonprofits Are Using Chatbots to Change the World Chatfuel
Marketing Agencies: Here Are 6 Reasons You Should Offer Chatbot Services Chatfuel
Paid Content
China Expat Health Insurance - Get Quotes & Compare Plans Online China Expat Health Insurance Mansion Global Daily: Celebs in the New York Suburbs, the… Mansion Global Discover These Luxury Properties in Los Angeles Mansion Global Why Are Seniors Snapping Up This New $49.95 Smartwatch? TechSave
More from CNN
'Game of Thrones' actress Diana Rigg dies New audio of Trump's sister: Ivanka is a mini-Donald How Fox News covered the Woodward audio recordings of Donald… Analysis: Don't miss what Kayleigh McEnany just said about…
Recommended by