US Rep. Sam Farr of California to retire at end of term after more than 20 years in office
Democratic U.S. Rep. Sam Farr of California will retire at the end of his term in 2017, ending a career in Congress spanning nearly a quarter-century, he announced Thursday.
Farr, 74, said he decided not to run next year because he has spent more than half his life in elected office and because his wife, Shary, wanted him home more.
"It's a tough decision, but very exhilarating, because it opens up all kinds of opportunities," said Farr, who looks forward to staying engaged in political issues during retirement.
Farr has represented the 20th Congressional District that includes California's Central Coast since 1993. He was first elected to fill the seat left empty by Leon Panetta, who resigned to become President Bill Clinton's budget director. Farr is the ranking member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture.
Before serving in Congress, Farr spent 12 years in the California Assembly and six years on the Monterey County Board of Supervisors.
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