Missouri GOP Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer announces retirement

Missouri GOP Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer on Thursday announced his retirement from Congress at the end of his current term, marking the latest such declaration from the Republican conference ahead of the 2024 midterm contests.

Luetkemeyer currently represents Missouri's 3rd District, which includes a central portion of the state mostly to the West of St. Louis and is decidedly Republican-leaning.

"It has been an honor to serve the great people of the Third Congressional District and State of Missouri these past several years. However, after a lot of thoughtful discussion with my family, I have decided to not file for re-election and retire at the end of my term in December," he said in a statement posted to X. "As we tackle the many challenges we face, I hope we remember what someone once said, that 'the greatness of our country is not found in the halls of Congress but in the hearts and homes of our people.'"

"That assessment is still true today. As we look into the future, I believe if we work hard, stay together, and believe in ourselves our best days are indeed still ahead," he added.

Luetkemeyer first assumed his seat in 2009 and was a leading member of the House Financial Services Committee, The Hill noted.

At least 33 members of the House as of mid-December had announced they would not seek reelection, with 13 doing so in November alone. 

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.