Congressman Walden Won’t Seek Re-Election

WASHINGTON (AP) – Republican Rep. Greg Walden of Oregon is retiring from Congress and will not seek election to a 12th term.

The 62-year-old Walden is a former chairman of the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee and now serves as the top Republican on the energy panel.

He was a key player in GOP efforts to replace President Barack Obama’s health care law. He also led House GOP election efforts in 2014 and 2016.

Walden is the 19th House Republican to announce he or she will not seek reelection. Three other GOP lawmakers have resigned.

Walden is a former radio station owner and was elected to represent eastern Oregon in 1998. The reliably Republican district covers more than half the state.