PHOENIX β Arizona Rep. Matt Salmon says he will not seek re-election this November, and he's endorsing Arizona Senate President Andy Biggs for his seat.
The 58-year-old Republican from Mesa said Thursday he wants to spend more time with his family.
Biggs says he's running to ensure Salmon's conservative record continues.
Salmon is a member of the House Freedom Caucus, the rebellious group of lawmakers who frequently defied GOP leaders and helped push former Speaker John Boehner to leave Congress.
Salmon served in the House in the 1990s and unsuccessfully ran for Arizona governor in 2002. He was re-elected to the House in 2012.
Salmon's 5th Congressional District in the southeastern Phoenix suburbs is heavily Republican and expected to remain in GOP control in the fall elections.
