Representative Martha Roby (AL-02) on Friday announced that she will not seek reelection to a sixth congressional term in 2020.
Roby, first elected in 2010, currently serves as ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommitee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet. She is also a member of the influential House Appropriations Committee, serving on its subcommittees related to the military, science, commerce and justice.
Known as a stalwart champion for Fort Rucker and Maxwell Air Force Base, Roby serves on several military-related caucuses, including as co-chair of the Congressional Army Aviation Caucus, Congressional Defense Communities Caucus and the Congressional F-35 Caucus.
In a statement, she thanked her constituents in southeast Alabama for allowing her to serve.
“Riley and I, and our children, Margaret and George, will be forever grateful to the people of Alabama’s Second District for giving us the tremendous privilege and honor of serving our state and country,” Roby said. “Throughout my five terms in Congress, I have cast every vote with the guiding principle that Alabama always comes first.”
The Montgomery native said she will continue to faithfully serve the people of her district until her final second in office.
“Together, we have been able to deliver some incredible results for our military, veterans, agriculture community, and the unborn. We are not finished yet,” Roby emphasized. “While my name will not be on the ballot in 2020, I remain committed to continuing the fight for Alabama and the people I represent until I cast my last vote on the floor of the United States House of Representatives.”
She concluded, “As we prepare to close this wonderful chapter, I extend my sincerest thanks to my husband, our children, our parents, families, friends, congressional colleagues, and staff, who all made our important work possible and offered their support every step of the way.”
With the Republican primary for Roby’s seat to unfold in March, potential candidates are expected to quickly jockey for position in the staunchly conservative district.
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
