Hamilton won’t seek 10th House term in 2022

Rep. Rod Hamilton (R-Mountain Lake) announced Thursday he will not run for re-election to the House of Representatives in 2022.

First elected in 2004, Hamilton is currently serving his ninth consecutive term in the House. He said in a statement that he made the decision over the holidays after spending time with his family and “deciding to refocus on what should be prioritized in their lives.”

Hamilton plans to finish his current term.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of District 22B for placing your trust in me to represent you in St. Paul,” Hamilton said. “This has truly been an honor of a lifetime. Thank you to all the people who worked so hard to get me elected and a sincere thank you to the candidates who ran against me, as your challenge made me a better person and a better legislator.”

[WATCH: Informational interview with Rep. Hamilton in 2014]

Hamilton currently serves on the workforce and business development, and industrial education and economic development committees, but has served in several leadership roles during his time in the House and chaired the House Agriculture Finance Committee three times.

“In the political world one thing is very clear — everyone is replaceable,” Hamilton said. “District 22B is filled with smart, dedicated and honest people who will do a stellar job representing us in St. Paul.”

He is the eighth member to announce they will not seek re-election to the House in 2022.