U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway announced his retirement from Congress at a press conference in Midland early Wednesday afternoon.
Conaway’s office had issued notice for the press conference the previous day, with details regarding the subject being tightly withheld.
Both Politico and the Midland Reporter Telegram first reported that Conaway would announce his retirement from Congress, confirming rumors that have been circulating within his West Texas district.
Conaway stood at a podium before a large audience, joined by his wife as he tearfully announced he would not be running for re-election.
Congressman Conaway told reporters that he would be serving out the remainder of his present term in office and that he decided to announce his retirement early to allow candidates plenty of time to campaign across the vast district.
A 14-year incumbent, the Midland Republican was first elected to the position in 2005 after competing in a large primary.
While there are rumors that multiple candidates are currently looking to run for the seat, no one has officially announced as of Thursday.
This story has been updated since its original publication.
