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Mathews pens letter saying he will not run for re-election

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Rep. Kirk Mathews sent a letter to colleagues sharing he would not be seeking a third term, but will serve out the remainder of his current term. Mathews said he and his wife plan to care for his father-in-law, who is in declining health.

Rep. Kirk Mathews presents his Uber bill on the House floor Jan. 26, 2017.

“The situation has forced us to make some incredibly difficult decisions. It has sadly now become clear that the time, energy and finances required to care for Jane’s dad in the coming months and years is not compatible with the demands of serving in the legislature. Accordingly, I will not be seeking re-election for a 3rd term.

“We do not anticipate needing to relocate my father-in-law from his current assisted living center until hopefully early next year, and therefore I intend to serve out my 2nd term. So you are stuck with me until the end of the year unless something else changes.

“Friends, I believe God is sovereign and has a plan. Sometimes in life, you realize that His plan is not something you would order for yourself, yet you know you must follow it. This is one of those times. So I intend to help Jane care for her father as long as we have him with us and I know we will find joy in that endeavor. So I will return to the ‘real’ working world.

It is difficult to adequately express how much of an honor it has been to serve in this body and to now count each of you as a lifelong friend. Thanks to each of you for your service and the privilege to serve alongside, even if for a shorter time than I had planned!

 

Following news that Mathews would not be returning in 2019, Majority Floor Leader Rep. Rob Vescovo issued the following statement:

“He’s been a great friend and colleague in and out of the legislature. He will be missed by many including myself, but will only be a phone call away.”

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