Rep. Bob Goodlatte announced Thursday that he plans to retire when his term ends next year.

“After much contemplation and prayer, we decided it was the right time for me to step aside and let someone else serve the Sixth District. I will not seek re-election. With my time as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee ending in December 2018, this is a natural stepping-off point and an opportunity to begin a new chapter of my career and spend more time with my family, particularly my granddaughters,” Mr. Goodlatte, Virginia Republican, said in a statement.

Mr. Goodlatte represents Virginia’s 6th Congressional District, which has been historically safe for Republicans since he took office in 1993.

“During his service in the House of Representatives, Bob has served as Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, fighting for one of the most important economic drivers in his district, and as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, standing up for America’s constitutional freedoms and liberties,” John Whitbeck, chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia, said in a statement.

Republican State Sen. Mark Obenshain also released a statement thanking Mr. Goodlatte for his service, particularly to those in agriculture, which makes up much of his district.

“As a legislator representing Virginia’s number one agricultural district, I am especially grateful for all he did for farmers and the agricultural economy. His efforts and assistance were instrumental in helping hundreds of poultry farmers save their family farms when they came together to form the Virginia Poultry Growers Cooperative,” Mr. Obenshain said.

His announcement makes the third Republican House member this week to decide not to seek re-election.

On Tuesday, Reps. Frank LoBiondo of New Jersey and Ted Poe of Texas both said they will retire when their terms end as well. While Mr. LoBionda’s seat could be a possible pickup for Democrats, they will likely still struggle in Mr. Poe’s district even with the open seat.

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