Gordon to End 25-Year Run in Congress

Tennessee’s longest serving congressional member and only committee chairman announced Monday he will not seek re-election next year.

Gordon says he reached the decision to make this year his last over Thanksgiving.

“You know it’s a time when you’re together with family, and you become a little more thoughtful. And it was time for me to decide whether I was going to serve for another 10 or 15 years, or do something else, and I decided it was time for another chapter in my life.”

Gordon didn’t say what that new chapter includes, but in a statement announcing his decision, he said he wanted to spend more time with his family, including his 8-year old daughter.

The Murfreesboro resident has a law degree, but hasn’t practiced in years.

Gordon won 13 elections during his term decisively and without serious opposition. But the Republican National Committee had Gordon’s seat in their sights next year, hoping to make gains. Gordon dismisses that as a reason for stepping down. He says he wasn’t worried.

“There’s 15 counties in this district and I never lost any one of ‘em, and I’ve got 74 percent last time, 68 percent the time before. This is a more difficult environment this time, but winning and losing didn’t play a role in this decision.”

Gordon’s announcement did not come at good time for the Democrats in Tennessee.

Republicans are looking to build on gains they’ve made in the state legislature, and now with Gordon leaving, there are two seats held by Democrats that will be open next year. Fellow party member and Congressman John Tanner is also not seeking re-election.

The 60-year old congressman began serving in 1984. He currently chairs the House Science and Technology Committee.