Montana Republican says he will not seek reelection in November

Montana GOP Rep. Ryan Zinke announced Monday that he will not be seeking another term in office this November, citing health issues from his time as a Navy SEAL as the main motivator.The announcement makes Zinke the latest House Republican to opt out of seeking reelection. At least 32 Republicans and 21 Democrats have announced plans to leave Congress after the midterm elections.
“I have made the decision to leave office at the end of my fourth term and not seek re-election,” Zinke said in a letter. “I do not take this decision lightly and have informed President Trump, the Governor, and senior leadership of this difficult but necessary decision.
Zinke has represented Montana in Congress since 2015, but paused briefly to serve as President Donald Trump’s Interior secretary during the president’s first term in office. 
The lawmaker said he has been experiencing health issues since his time in the Navy and that he cannot put off treatment any longer. He also noted that he would risk missing important votes if he remained in Congress and still underwent treatment.
“While my belief in term limits for elected office is a consideration, I have quietly undergone multiple surgeries since I returned to Congress and unfortunately face several more immediately after leaving office,” he said. “The injuries sustained from a career in Special Operations are not immediately life-threatening, but the repair cannot be deferred any longer and recovery will require considerable time with my wife Lola and my family.” 
Zinke has endorsed Montana conservative radio talk show host Aaron Flint to replace him in the House, touting the combat veteran as “the next generation of leadership Montana needs.” 
“When our country needed him after the September 11th terrorist attacks, Aaron raised his hand to serve,” Zinke posted from his personal X account. “Now when Montana needs him again, he’s ready to serve. He has my complete and total endorsement!”

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