Won't seek reelection

GOP Rep. Martha Roby won't seek reelection

By SARAH FERRIS

Rep. Martha Roby (R-Ala.) announced Friday she will not seek a sixth term in Congress, further shrinking the ranks of Republican women in the House.

The Alabama Republican — who narrowly escaped a bitter primary fight last year — had become a controversial figure in her home state after she disavowed her support for Donald Trump before he was elected president. Roby marks the fifth House Republican, and third this week, to announce a decision to retire.

“While my name will not be on the ballot in 2020, I remain committed to continuing the fight for Alabama and the people I represent until I cast my last vote on the floor,” Roby wrote in a news release.

Roby battled a difficult primary race in 2018, in part because she withdrew her support for Trump in 2016 after the “Access Hollywood” tape revealed Trump bragging about sexually assaulting women. Trump eventually endorsed Roby, helping return her to office.

At 43 years old, Roby is among the youngest Republican women in Congress. She sits on the coveted Appropriations panel as well as the House Judiciary Committee.

Roby’s seat — which voted for Trump by a margin of 31.7 points — would be a tough get for Democrats in the next election.

But her departure is a loss for the GOP, marking the second Republican woman — out of just 13 currently serving in the House — to announce her retirement so far this year.

Rep. Susan Brooks (R-Ind.), who's in charge of recruitment for the party, previously announced she would not seek reelection.