English decides not to run in 2016

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Rep. Keith English, I-Florissant, announced Tuesday evening that he would not seek re-election for his House seat in the 2016 election cycle for an undisclosed job in the private sector.

“During the veto session, I was approached by a gentleman interested in putting me to work in Jefferson City,” English said. “It’s something I think I would really like to do. It doesn’t mean I can’t run for state rep. in the future, but I think I am going to take him up on this offer… It’s a conflict of interest to keep the job I’ve been offered and run for political office.”

Currently, English is in the middle of his second term as a state legislator. Prior to his work in Jefferson City, he acted as a city council member in Florissant. The Independent politician initially served as a Democrat in Florissant, albeit one with anti-abortion and pro-gun rights views.

He says he has appreciated his time in the General Assembly and that he looks forward to working in what will be his next and final session for the foreseeable future, but that he, like many legislators now before him, believes a transition to the private sector would do him well.

“I love the job I do as a state rep. and working for the people, but this opportunity will be good for me,” he said, noting that he and his wife, Kelly, discussed the job for a great deal. One large factor of the position was that he would be able to work in St. Louis, but he declined to go into detail on what his new career would be.

English also said that he wanted to announce news of his decision not to run far ahead of time so his district would know the status of the seat in the upcoming election.

“I wanted to give the residents of the 68th District an opportunity,” he said. “We have so many on both sides of the aisle that would serve the people well. I will be helping to look for candidates who have spoken on being interested in that position in the past, and I’ll be reaching out to them”

The representative also noted that all the money raised during the campaign fundraiser he held on the eve of veto session Tuesday, Sept. 15 would be reimbursed after a few outstanding payments were made.