Southwest Florida GOP congressman won't seek re-election

By The Associated Press
May. 20, 2016 8:44 AM EDT

MIAMI (AP) — Rep. Curt Clawson, Republican Florida congressman, says he won't be seeking re-election so he can spend more time with his family and his father.

Clawson made the announcement in a statement issued by his congressional office Thursday: "Since my mother's passing last year, our family has gone through significant change and transition. I believe that now is a good time to pass the baton and spend more time close to home."

The former businessman first won his congressional seat in 2014 in a special House election to replace former Rep. Trey Radel, who had resigned after pleading guilty to cocaine possession. Clawson defeated three other primary opponents in a heavily Republican district on Florida's Gulf Coast.

His current term ends in January 2017.