Wednesday, Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Duncan said he will not seek an eighth term in his conservative South Carolina district.
Duncan sought politics following the 9/11 terrorist attacks to serve his country. The businessman thought he had accomplished that in the state legislature and then the U.S. House.
“At some point in a career, one needs to step aside and allow others to bring fresh ideas and abilities into the fight for liberty,” Duncan remarked.
Duncan was elected in 2010. He prioritized energy policy, pushing nuclear power. He believes small-scale nuclear reactors should be researched more to give more power in the future. Duncan held his Faith and Freedom BBQ in Anderson, drawing hundreds of conservatives to hear from top Republicans.
Last year, Duncan's traditional family ideals were tarnished when his wife filed for divorce, alleging the congressman abandoned her and had sex with a lobbyist. He had been unfaithful during their 35-year marriage, she alleged.
Duncan never discussed his divorce, calling it a “difficult and private moment.” Over a dozen House Republicans are retiring or running again next year, including Duncan.
November filing begins in March, with the primary in June. When the seat came vacant in 2010, Sens. Rex Rice and Richard Cash and Rep. Neal Collins ran. State Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey also declared a run but withdrew.
Duncan represents South Carolina's Third District, a primarily rural northern and western region that encompasses Greenwood, Anderson, Edgefield, and Easley. Since Republican Lindsey Graham won the district in 1994, Democrats haven't won.