Veterans Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Fla., announced Thursday he would not seek re-election.  

“Fifteen years ago when Vicki and I were praying about running for Congress, we could have never imagined what may lie ahead,” Miller said in a statement. “That day has come, and I am announcing I will not seek re-election to Congress.”  

Miller, who represents Florida’s 1st District, noted that he was the first Republican member of Congress to be sworn in after the Sept. 11 attacks and emphasized his focus on national security.  

“I sought positions on the Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs Committees – two places where I felt I could best represent my district and make a difference for the entire nation,” he said, adding he intended to finish his tenure as Veterans Affairs Committee chairman and focus on the markup of the annual Defense Authorization Bill.  

Florida holds its congressional primary on Aug. 30.  

Contact Garcia at EricGarcia@cqrollcall.com and follow him on Twitter @EricMGarcia.

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