Rep. Rick Nolan announced Friday that he plans to retire when his term ends later this year.

“The gratitude and affection I have for all of you here in Northern Minnesota is beyond my ability to express in words,” the Minnesota Democrat said in a statement, the Star Tribune reported. “Make no mistake — I love my work representing you in the Congress, and the decision to leave is agonizing to say the least — especially when thinking of all the many volunteers, contributors, party leaders, colleagues, supporters — and of course the voters — who have all meant so much to our success.”

Mr. Nolan represents Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District northeast of the Twin Cities in the Iron Range, which includes Duluth.

He won re-election in 2016 by less than 1 point, while President Trump won the district by nearly 16 points. The seat was considered a battleground district prior to Mr. Nolan’s announcement, and has been considered a top target for the National Republican Congressional Committee in the 2018 race. Mr. Nolan’s retirement will likely make it even more difficult for Democrats to hang on to the seat.

The only declared Republican candidate is Peter Stauber, a former professional hockey player for the Detroit Red Wings, and a retired area commander of the Duluth Police Department.

Sign up for Daily Newsletters Manage Newsletters

Copyright © 2020 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.