Arizona Rep. Matt Salmon announces retirement

WASHINGTON (KSAZ) - Arizona Rep. Matt Salmon announced his retirement on Thursday saying he will not seek re-election to the United States House of Representatives.

In a press release, Rep. Salmon says the "most important job I have is that of husband and father, and over the years I've missed far too many opportunities to spend time with my family.

Rep. Salmon's full statement on his retirement is below:

"When I returned to the House of Representatives in 2013, the President's disastrous policies were putting our nation at risk, both at home and abroad. Over the past three years, I've worked to curtail the largest expansion of peacetime spending in America's history by working with members from both sides of the aisle. This is something to be proud of.

But the most important job I have is that of husband and father, and over the years I've missed far too many opportunities to spend time with family. I truly believe that they should come first in my life, and after much soul-searching I've decided against running for reelection.

I give you my word, I won't be stopping my fight for our nation's future, but I will be continuing it as a constituent in the Valley of the Sun. It has been an honor serving the constituents of Arizona's Fifth District and I look forward to seeing you back home in Arizona."

Sen. John McCain released the following statement on Rep. Salmon's retirement announcement:

"With Congressman Matt Salmon's announcement today that he will not run for re-election, Arizona and indeed the country will lose one of our most respected representatives and fiercest defenders of the Constitution. I join the constituents from Arizona's Fifth Congressional District, as well as citizens from across our state, in extending my deep thanks to Matt for his years of public service and steadfast commitment to the conservative values we hold dear.

Throughout his distinguished service in the House of Representatives, Matt has always stayed true to his principles - even if that meant standing alone to fight for what was right. I will ever be grateful to him for his early, and at times lonely, support and tireless work on my behalf during the 2000 presidential campaign.

Matt will stand as an example for all those who currently serve or aspire to serve in public office on behalf of the people of our great state, and I have no doubt that Arizonans will continue to benefit from his strong leadership. While many productive months remain in Matt's final term, today Cindy and I would like to thank Matt, his wife Nancy and their entire family for their contributions, and look forward to continuing our work together in the years to come."