U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander announced Monday morning he will not seek re-election in 2020.
His decision means Tennessee will have an open U.S. Senate seat in the next election cycle.
In a statement on Twitter, the three-term senator said he thankful to the people of Tennessee, who elected him “to serve more combined years as Governor and Senator than anyone else.” Alexander was elected to the Senate in 2002 after two terms as governor.
“I’m deeply grateful,” he said, “but now it is time for someone else to have that privilege.”
State leaders have been reacting to Alexander’s announcement.
Lt. Gov. Randy McNally called Alexander “a legend” and said Tennessee’s success was in part due to his governance.
“All Tennesseeans owe him a great debt,” McNally said in a statement. “Though he may not be running for re-election, I have no doubt Lamar will continue to serve our state with distinction for the next two years as Senator.”
And retiring Sen. Bob Corker said Alexander will leave a “remarkable legacy” in the U.S. Senate.
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