Ethan Safran

USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin

U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble will not seek re-election in November after serving six years in Congress.

In a statement released Saturday, Ribble said he made three promises when he ran for Congress: rolling back discretionary spending, making Bush tax rates for individuals permanent and limiting his congressional tenure to four terms or eight years.

"Today, I am announcing that I will fulfill my third promise and will not seek reelection in November of 2016," he said.

Ribble said he wants to dedicate more time to his marriage, children and grandchildren.

"Additionally, I’ve always said elected office shouldn’t be a career," he said. "I come from the private sector and am anxious to return to it and to a more private life."

The Republican first ran for election to represent Wisconsin's 8th District, which includes Appleton and Green Bay, in 2010.

In a tweet Sunday morning, Gov. Scott Walker applauded Ribble, saying he "has done a great job for his district & his state! Thanks Reid!"

House Speaker Paul Ryan also praised Ribble in a statement released Sunday.

"Serving with Reid Ribble in the people’s House has been an honor," Ryan said. "He has played a critical role in advancing conservative reforms, and has served his constituents well. His presence will be missed, but we are grateful for his many contributions to Wisconsin and the country."

Ribble said he has been "deeply impressed" by the thousands of people he has met during his time as representative.

"I will leave the House of Representatives confident that the voters of Northeast Wisconsin will choose an excellent new voice in Congress for 2017 and beyond."

Ribble dropped out of the conservative Freedom Caucus, a group of 40-odd Republicans believed to have played a role in the resignation of former House Speaker John Boehner, in October.

He announced last month that he would not support Donald Trump, even if he is the Republican party's nominee for president.

Ethan Safran: 920-996-7267, or esafran@gannett.com; on Twitter @EthanSafran