State Rep. Myra Crownover will not seek re-election in 2016, the Denton Republican announced Monday.

Crownover, who has served in the House since 2000, said she has "decided it is time for the next chapter in my life." She chaired the House Committee on Public Health during the most recent session.

"Serving as chair has been an eye-opening experience, and I look forward to continuing the work we began this session through the interim," Crownover said in a news release. "My focus now turns to the critical public health issues facing our state, including medical fraud and the increasing cost of health care."

Crownover's departure leaves a seat open in House District 64, a safely Republican area that covers a swath of North Texas centered on Denton.

Read King, a fellow Republican, had already announced that he plans to run in 2016, with or without Crownover in the race.