UPDATED: U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth, D-Louisville, plans to leave the 3rd Dist. Congressional seat he has held since 2007, according to sources with knowledge of his plans.
Yarmuth confirmed the news on his social media platforms on Tuesday afternoon. Click here for Yarmuth’s video.
“While I’m in excellent health, knock on wood, I know the significant demands of the job will only become more challenging,” Yarmuth said. “I will be 75 when my current term ends, and the desire to have more control of my time in the years I have left has become a high priority.”
Saying he enjoys spending time with his grandson, he intends to retire in 15 months at the end of his current term.
Yarmuth has climbed the ranks in the U.S. House of Representatives over the years attaining the position of House Budget Committee Chairman in the 116th Congress. He has been a thorn in the side of U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, and more recently of President Donald Trump.
“I applaud John for his many years of public service and wish him well on his retirement,” McConnell said in a statement. “We always shared a deep affinity for our hometown, Louisville, and a strong sense of loyalty to our constituents and neighbors. I wish John the best as he takes a step back to spend more time with his family.”
The seat will likely draw lots of attention in an open seat race.
Sen. Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, declared for the seat less than half an hour after Yarmuth announced his retirement. Rep. Attica Scott, D-Louisville, is also a candidate for the race, declaring her interest at the beginning of 2021.
