Thornberry won't seek re-election

House Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Mac Thornberry (R-TX) says he will not seek re-election in 2020.

"With over a year to go, I will continue to represent the people of the 13th District to the best of my ability," he said in a statement. "Our nation faces many difficult challenges, and none of us can relax our efforts to meet and overcome them, whether at home or around the world."

Thornberry, who previously served as committee chairman from 2015 to 2019, was at the center of GOP efforts to increase defense spending by billions of dollars.

Thornberry also used his tenure as chairman to focus on defense acquisition reform, crafting policies intended to streamline the Pentagon's labyrinthine procurement system and cut spending at civilian management agencies collectively known as the "Fourth Estate."

"In January 2021, I will no longer have the honor of representing the people of the 13th District of Texas, but I will never be indifferent to the responsibility each of us has to serve and protect our beloved nation," he said.

Thornberry has been a member of Congress since 1995.