Politicians come and go, that is just a fact of life. But certain retirements are felt much more than others.
And now a top Republican just announced their retirement and D.C. is in a frenzy.
House Homeland Security Chair, Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), announced his retirement from Congress on Wednesday, marking his departure after three terms in Washington D.C.
Green cited the successful impeachment of Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas as a factor in his decision, alongside a personal desire to return to his home district and embrace the “citizen-legislator” model envisioned by the Founding Fathers.
Green emphasized the fulfillment of his key campaign promise – securing the border and holding Mayorkas accountable – as the primary reason for his departure.
He referenced historical texts and the Framers’ intent for representatives to serve limited terms before returning to their communities.
Expressing disillusionment with the current state of Congress, Green declared, “Our fight is not here within Washington, our fight is with Washington.”
He emphasized his continued commitment to public service but in a “new capacity,” leaving the door open for a potential gubernatorial run in 2026.
Green acknowledged the sacrifices made by his family throughout his military and political career and expressed gratitude to his constituents and staff.
Green’s announcement follows the retirement of four other Republican committee chairs:
Kay Granger (Appropriations), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Energy and Commerce), Patrick McHenry (Financial Services), and Mike Gallagher (Select Committee on China).
Green was instrumental in the months-long investigation of Mayorkas, culminating in the first successful Cabinet secretary impeachment since 1876.
As Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Green became the only new third-term representative to chair a major legislative committee in the 21st century.
He previously served as an Army surgeon and state senator, and his political career has been marked by numerous achievements regardless of the Left’s attempts to cancel him.
In 2017, Green’s gubernatorial run was halted after his nomination for Army Secretary faced criticism for remarks the radical Left deemed were discriminatory towards Muslims and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Green’s decision opens up the 7th Congressional District seat in Tennessee.
The district’s redrawn boundaries include a significant portion of Nashville, and the current congressional map faces legal challenges.
The Republican primary for the seat is scheduled for August 1st, 2024.
On the Democratic side, former Nashville Mayor Megan Barry has announced her candidacy.
The way this plays out could majorly impact the future of politics in this nation.
Stay tuned to the Conservative Column for more updates on this developing story and more.
