Five-term Rep. John Campbell, R-Calif., announced on Thursday that he will retire at the end of his term, citing a desire to start a new chapter in his life after 14 years in elected office.

“At the end of this term, I will have spent 14 years serving in full-time, elected politics. I am not nor did I ever intend to be a career politician,” Campbell said in a statement. “I am ready to begin a new chapter in my life.”

Campbell was first elected to Congress in a 2005 special election to replace former Rep. Christopher Cox, a Republican, who resigned to become chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Prior to being elected to Congress, Campbell spent five years in the California legislature as both a state representative and later a state senator.

Campbell’s retirement will leave an open seat in one of the few Republican-leaning districts in California. GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney carried the district with 55 percent in 2012.

National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Greg Walden, R-Ore., praised Campbell’s service.

“John has been a dedicated and determined representative for the people of California’s 45th District for almost a decade, and has always ensured that the voices of his constituents are heard in the halls of Congress,” Walden said in a statement.

Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call rates this a safe Republican seat.