Colorado’s senior congressman, Republican Joel Hefley, announced today he will not seek reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives.
Hefley has served 10 terms, and until recently was chairman of the House Ethics Committee.
Hefley said the decision was difficult to make.
“I like my job and it is an enormous honor and privilege to represent the people of the 5th District of Colorado,” he said in a statement.
Hefley said he wanted to remain in Congress until last year’s round of base closings was complete. He also wanted to complete his term as chairman of the Defense Committee of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. That appointment ended in November.
Joel Hefley Timeline
1935: Born in Ardmore, OK
1957: Graduates with his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Baptist University
1962: Graduates with his master’s degree from Oklahoma State University
1965: Moves to Colorado Springs
1976: Elected to the Colorado House; he serves until 1979
1978: Elected to the Colorado Senate; he serves until 1987
1986: Wins his first election to the U.S. House of Representatives with 70 percent of the vote
Sources: Associated Press & Denver Post Archives
