Gregg Harper has served Mississippi’s third district as their Representative in the U.S. House since his election in 2009, but today, he has decided that he will not seek re-election in the upcoming midterm elections.
Harper released a statement saying that the decision comes as a result of wanting to spend more time with his family, but that he will remain dedicated to the job during his final year in office.
“Serving as a Member of the United States House of Representatives has been the highest privilege and honor of my life,” Harper said. “The opportunity to serve the people of the 3rd District, our state, and our country is something that my wife, Sidney, and I will never forget. We have been contemplating for almost two years when it would be our time not to run again, and after spending time over Christmas and New Year’s with my family, we made the very difficult decision to say that 10 years will be long enough. I never intended for this to be a career, and it will soon be time for another conservative citizen legislator to represent us. I will work hard over the final 12 months of my term this year, but I will not seek re-election for a sixth term.”
The Jackson native was appointed by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan as the Chairman of the House Committee on House Administration in 2017. Harper also served as the Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
In his statement, Harper thanked his family including his son Livingston, who has special needs and Harper says he is “a driving force” in his family’s lives. In that spirit, Harper proudly shared an update on a program he began to help young adults living with special needs.
“When I first arrived in the House, I started an internship program for college students with intellectual disabilities in the Mason Life Program at George Mason University that allowed them to work in House and Senate Member offices and get valuable work experience, develop skills and improve their confidence, as well as open the hearts of Capitol Hill staffers and Members to the vast possibilities of those young adults with special needs. Over 150 House and Senate offices have participated in this program,” Harper said.
As he steps away from politics, Harper shared optimism for the future of Mississippi and the United States.
“I will truly miss serving in Congress, but I look forward to the years ahead as I continue to work on policy issues that matter, and I hope to spend more time in Mississippi. I have been blessed to have the best staff that any Member could ever have. I have also enjoyed serving with an incredible group of Members who care deeply about their districts and our country,” Harper said. “I believe that America’s greatest days are yet to come.”
Harper’s term will end in January 2019.
