Tennessee Rep. Bart Gordon won’t seek reelection next year

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WASHINGTON — Rep. Bart Gordon, a 13-term congressman from Tennessee, announced today he will not seek reelection next year, the latest Democrat in a string of retirements.

Gordon, 60, won re-election easily last year, garnering 74% of the vote.

“Turning 60 has led me to do some thinking about what’s next,” he said in a statement. “I have an 8-year-old daughter and a wonderful wife who has a very demanding job, and I am the only child of my 83-year-old mother Margaret. They have made sacrifices to allow me to do what I love by serving Congress, and now it’s my turn.”

Gordon is the chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology. He was first elected in 1984, after Al Gore gave up his seat to run for the Senate.

Gordon cited among his accomplishments passage of the “America Competes Act,” which called for increased spending on math and science programs.

“With the challenges our country faces, we have laid the foundation to rebuild our economy based on innovation, investments in research, and a sustained commitment to math and science education,” Gordon said. “For these reasons, I am committed to reauthorizing both the America Competes Act and NASA in the coming year.”

Last week, Rep. Brian Baird (D-Wash.) announced he would not seek reelection next year so he can spend more time with his family and pursue other ways to serve.

-- Associated Press