State Representative Scott Turner (House District 33, Collin and Rockwall Counties) announced on Thursday that he will not seek re-election to his House seat in 2016. The text of his announcement follows:

Dear friends,

Serving in the Texas House has been a tremendous honor, blessing, and privilege, and I am truly grateful for the trust and support of the great citizens of Collin and Rockwall Counties. Your prayers, encouragement, and steady involvement in the process are greatly appreciated.

As the Word says, there is a time and a season for everything. Today, I am announcing my plans not to seek reelection to the Texas House. In this new season for my family and me, I look forward to impacting our community, state, and nation through exciting opportunities in business, community service, ministry, and whatever path the Lord directs.

As one who loves people, serving as your State Representative has been one of the greatest honors in my life. From Rockwall, Heath, Royse City, McLendon-Chisholm, Rowlett and Fate .. to Frisco, Anna, Farmersville, Josephine, Blue Ridge, Prosper, Wylie, and Celina, we have worked together to ensure that our conservative principles are well-represented in Austin. This district is blessed with so many wonderful people who represent the best of Texas and love their communities and state. What a privilege to be your voice!

I had the honor of serving with many good men and women in the Texas Legislature. And I especially want to thank my friends and colleagues who stood with me in January during my campaign for Speaker. I am also grateful for my staff who have faithfully and tirelessly served this district.

My wife Robin is my rock, a steadfast and faithful encourager during every moment of my public service. I am also very proud of Solomon and appreciate how supportive he has been during my time away as I have served Texas. Solomon is a tremendous young man and I look forward to investing even more time in his life as he enters high school this fall.

One chapter is closing for now, and I am beginning new chapters that I believe hold great promise and potential. Though my service as a state representative comes to an end, you can count on me to use my voice to remain involved and champion our shared conservative values. My term does not conclude until January of 2017, and I look forward to fully serving this district until that time.

Thank you again for the confidence you placed in me and for choosing me to serve as your State Representative. I’ll always be grateful.

Sincerely,

Scott Turner