Republican Congressman Drew Ferguson announced that he will not seek reelection next year to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ferguson represents congressional District 3 in the west central part of Georgia, which includes Carroll, Coweta, Douglas, Haralson, Harris, Heard, Fayette, Spalding, Upson and Lamar counties.

“Serving the wonderful constituents of Georgia’s Third District has been the honor of a lifetime,” he said in a statement Dec. 14. “I have been blessed to have worked with such a talented and dedicated staff in my District and D.C. offices.”

Ferguson took office in 2017. He serves on the Ways and Means, House Budget, and Joint Economic committees. He also serves on the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures and as chair of Subcommittee on Social Security.

“Serving on the Ways and Means Committee has allowed me to focus on tax, trade, and health care — issues important to American competitiveness on the global stage,” Ferguson said. “I’ve also been proud to advance policies addressing antimicrobial resistance and the battle we are facing with a mental health crisis.”

It is unclear why he made the decision to not seek reelection. In October, Ferguson released a statement that he and his family began receiving death threats after voting for Majority Leader Steve Scalise to fill the vacant House Speaker’s role.

“Shortly after casting that vote, my family and I started receiving death threats. That is simply unacceptable, unforgivable, and will never be tolerated,” he said in a statement.  

Ferguson said he and his wife look forward to spending time with their children and grandchildren.

“Georgia is truly a special place, and it’s calling us home,” he said.

The primary election for the seat is May 2024, with the general election set for November 2024.