Rep. Susan W. Brooks — one of just 13 Republican women in the House — is not running for re-election in Indiana’s 5th District, a Democrat target in 2020.

“It’s a very, very personal decision — not really a political decision, as odd as that may sound,” Brooks told CQ Roll Call on Friday morning. She solidified her decision after spending time at the end of May in Alaska with her son, who recently moved there to teach.

“So it’s coming as a surprise to my colleagues, and I’m sorry about that surprise, but I have spent the last 16 out of 22 years in public service,” said Brooks, who is the chairwoman of recruitment for the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Brooks informed supporters of her decision Friday morning. She didn’t give leadership time to dissuade her from leaving, reaching key leaders by phone Thursday night and Friday morning.

“Steve Scalise sweetly said, ‘Hey, can we vote on this?’ Which I thought was quite funny,” Brooks recalled of her conversation with the Louisiana Republican and House minority whip.