Updated 7 a.m. Friday | Rep. Cynthia M. Lummis, a Republican who has represented the entire state of Wyoming in the House since 2009, said she will not seek re-election in 2016.
In a statement , Lummis, said that representing the state “is a great honor and a serious responsibility,” but, “after much thought,” she has decided not to seek a fifth term. “I used my political capital in Washington to bring about reform and to represent the best interests of Wyoming. Now it is time for a new face to take on this important task for Wyoming,” she said.
The sole woman member of the House Freedom Caucus, Lummis praised the body’s election of Rep. Paul D. Ryan to be House Speaker.
“With the election of Paul Ryan to be Speaker of the House we have ushered in thoughtful, conservative leadership, restored member-driven policy-making to the legislative process and returned regular order that will bring sunshine to back rooms making government work better,” she said.
Sen. John Barasso, R-Wyo., said Lummis will be “greatly missed.”
“Wyoming will miss her energy and her fight,” he said. “The U.S. House of Representatives will miss one of the most decent, honest and irreplaceable voices for western principles and ideals in Congress today.
Wyoming’s at-large House seat is rated Safe Republican by the Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report /Roll Call. Rep. Greg Walden, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Campaign Committee, said in a statement, “Congress will not be the same without her.”
Lummis is the 13th House member to retire without seeking another office this cycle. For a full list, see the
Roll Call casualty list
.
Correction: Lummis has represented Wyoming since 2009.
Related:
Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.
