COLUMBUS – After 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, central Ohio Republican Congressman Pat Tiberi says he’s stepping down.
“Leaving Congress is not a decision I take lightly but after a lot of consideration, it is the best one for me, my wife, Denice, and our four wonderful daughters,” Tiberi said in a statement released on Thursday morning.
STATEMENT: It has been the most remarkable honor of my life to serve the people of #OH12. https://t.co/RUD4uQRqVv
— Pat Tiberi (@PatTiberi) October 19, 2017
Tiberi, who has served as representative of Ohio’s 12th Congressional District – which includes parts of seven central and north-central Ohio counties – since 2001, announced Thursday that he would not seek reelection in 2018 and might leave office earlier.
“Today, it is with a humble and thankful heart that I announce I will not be seeking reelection.” – U.S. Rep. Pat Tiberi
A story in the New York Times suggested that Tiberi was resigning due to frustration since the election of President Donald Trump.
A number of Republicans in Congress have recently announced their retirements.
“For sixteen years, Congressman Pat Tiberi has served his constituents, the state of Ohio and the nation with unquestionable integrity and determination. While it is hard to see Congressman Tiberi leave, the Ohio Republican Party wishes him the best of luck and thanks him for all he has done to strengthen our party and our state.” -Ohio Republican Party Chairman Jane Timken
Democrats were delighted to hear the eight-term Congressman was leaving.
“Because of gerrymandering and big money flowing to certain politicians, too few of us have had a voice in government. We now have a tremendous opportunity to bring balance back and focus on the issues,” said Ed Albertson, a Democrat who was expected to challenge Tiberi next year.
Although he did not name a specific resignation date, Tiberi said he would leave Congress by Jan. 31, 2018 and was planning to take over leadership of the Ohio Business Roundtable, an organization of Ohio’s business leaders which advises the governor and legislative leaders on economic matters from the perspective of the private sector.