Congressman Larry Bucshon of Indiana will not seek reelection in 2024, becoming the latest Republican to plan a departure from the House of Representatives.
Bucshon announced he will vacate his office at the end of his current term after 14 years in the federal government.
“Scripture teaches us, ‘For everything there is a season,’ and it became clear to me over the Christmas holiday with much discernment and prayer that the time has come to bring my season in public service to a conclusion,” he wrote in a statement released on Jan. 8.
His biblical allusion mirrors a statement from Congressman Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, who announced in early December that he will also retire in January of 2025. McHenry said that there “is a season for everything and … this season has come to an end.”
Bucshon described himself as “the son of an underground coal miner and a nurse who grew up in a small town in rural America.”
“It’s been the privilege of a lifetime to have been afforded the opportunity to represent Hoosiers in Southern and West Central Indiana,” he said. The congressman thanked his wife Kathryn and his parents-in-law for their support while “we balanced our family life in Indiana with the Congressional schedule in Washington, DC."
“For over 230 years, men and women have chosen to serve our nation in the Congress – in many cases through very trying times in our history – and I’m honored to be included among their ranks,” said Bucshon. “Recent disputes in Congress and difficulties advancing policy on behalf of the American people have not soured my faith in our Constitutional Republic form of government.”
“Throughout the history of the United States, one of our strengths has always been the ability of our elected leaders – and the American people – to debate the issues in a public forum, and then ultimately find common ground and compromise on solutions that benefit the American people,” he continued. “It is still true today and this principle always prevails.”
Over his eight terms in the House, Bucshon became the longest-serving member of the Indiana House Republican delegation. His Republican colleagues praised him for his service when news of his decision was made public.
"Larry Bucshon and I came to Congress at the same time, and it has been an honor working alongside him for more than a decade," said Indiana Senator Todd Young in a message on X. "Southwest Indiana could not have chosen a better advocate, a better lawmaker, or a better person than Dr. Bucshon. I wish him the best in his next chapter."
"Dr. Bucshon has been a leader on health care issues and has fought for conservative values," said Congressman Jim Banks in post. "As a fellow Navy Reserve Veteran I appreciate what Larry has done to serve our veterans and support our troops. Those are big shoes to fill for our state!"
Bucshon is currently a member of the oldest standing legislative committee – the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He is a member of the Health Subcommittee, Energy Subcommittee, and the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee.
Before his time in Congress, Bucshon worked as a doctor with a specialty in cardiothoracic surgery.
At least 14 other incumbent Republicans are not seeking reelection. Another 22 incumbent Democrats will leave the House at the end of the year rather ran seek re-election to their current seat.
