Bob Corker won’t run for reelection

Tennessee Republican Senator Bob Corker will not run for reelection in 2018.

“After much thought, consideration and family discussion over the past year, Elizabeth and I have decided that I will leave the United States Senate when my term expires at the end of 2018,” he said in a statement.

“When I ran for the Senate in 2006, I told people that I couldn’t imagine serving for more than two terms. Understandably, as we have gained influence, that decision has become more difficult. But I have always been drawn to the citizen legislator model, and while I realize it is not for everyone, I believe with the kind of service I provide, it is the right one for me.

“I also believe the most important public service I have to offer our country could well occur over the next 15 months, and I want to be able to do that as thoughtfully and independently as I did the first 10 years and nine months of my Senate career.”

Talks in recent weeks have been focused on finding a conservative primary challenger for the two-term Senator. He serves as chair of the influential Foreign Relations Committee.

Corker was once a strong supporter of President Trump and considered to be a potential for Trump’s cabinet as well as a longshot for Vice President. The two had a falling out following the President’s statements on the Charlottesville attack.

Perspectives

BREAKING: Corker Will Not Seek Re-election in 2018

Had he run for reelection, Corker was likely to face primary challenges from the more conservative wing of the Republican party. A conservative activist named Andy Ogles has already announced his intention to run for Corker’s seat, and Clay “Boobgate” Travis has hinted at a Senate run.

JUST IN: Senator Bob Corker is resigning! – The Right Scoop

I’m sure McConnell and Trump will be fighting tooth and nail to get another RINO to fill Corker’s seat next year. But what we really need is a strong conservative like Cruz and Lee. It’s a great opportunity to grow our conservative minority in the Senate!

NEWS: Sen. Bob Corker plans to retire rather than run for reelection in 2018. Statement: pic.twitter.com/gNQuOm7H4g

— Sean Sullivan (@WaPoSean) September 26, 2017