Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC) announced Thursday morning that he will not seek reelection next year. He is the 24th Republican member of Congress to announce their retirement this year.
Meadows, one of Trump’s closest allies in Congress, has been a loyal supporter throughout the impeachment crisis.
A source told Axios that Meadows has been contemplating this decision for months, but chose to wait until after the impeachment vote to make his announcement. He would have preferred not to do so the day after the vote, however, the filing deadline for his seat is on Friday.
The source also said that, “Meadows has no immediate plans to jump into a new role. However, he is open to joining the Trump administration and says he will remain committed to supporting the president.”
Meadows, who endorses term limits, told Politico, “Obviously, I’ve looked at this as a temporary job. Every year it’s a decision whether you’re going to run again…This is not me shrinking away from a fight. In fact, it’s just going to be continuing to fight in a different capacity, whether that’s officially as part of the Trump team or unofficially in my capacity as a sitting member of Congress.”
Jared Kushner, the President’s son-in-law and advisor, released a statement praising Meadows.“Congressman Meadows has been a warrior for the president and a champion of his agenda. We have greatly valued his guidance for the last three years in the administration, and I have no doubt that Mark will play an important role going into 2020.”
President Trump had considered Meadows for the White House Chief of Staff position last December, but ultimately decided he would rather have him remain on Capitol Hill.
Meadows won his seat in 2013. He served as the Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus from 2017 through October 1, 2019. He had helped found this group in 2014. Additionally, he is the ranking Republican on the House Oversight and Transportation committees.
For everything there is a season. After prayerful consideration and discussion with family, today I’m announcing that my time serving Western North Carolina in Congress will come to a close at the end of this term.
This was a decision I struggled with greatly. These last 8 years, I have been so blessed to serve the people of NC-11 and help give a voice to millions of Americans who feel Washington, DC has forgotten them. Since serving alongside President Trump, I have been a witness to historic economic prosperity, unemployment levels I only dreamed of when I took office, tax and regulatory reforms that are putting the American worker first, our Israeli embassy moved to Jerusalem, and trade deals that were once thought impossible. I have seen our law enforcement and first responders receive the support they deserve and our military once again put on a path to maintain its superiority. Through it all, I am so thankful to have been able to serve and give back to the great country I call home.
My work with President Trump and his administration is only beginning. This President has accomplished incredible results for the country in just 3 years, and I’m fully committed to staying in the fight with him and his team to build on those successes and deliver on his promises for the years to come. I’ve always said Congress is a temporary job, but the fight to return Washington, DC to its rightful owner, We The People, has only just begun.
To the people of Western North Carolina: it’s been my honor to be your Congressman. Thank you for your trust, faith, and support. God bless you.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member