Rep. Rick Nolan (Minn.), a member of the Democratic-Farm-Labor Party, announced on Friday that he will retire at the end of his current term, saying it is time to "pass the baton to the next generation."
Nolan, 74, has represented two different districts as a Congressman in Minnesota, but faced his two toughest re-election victories in the 8th district since the 2012 election, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Nolan's recent elections have been among the most competitive and expensive in the nation. His departure opens the door for Republicans to make a play for the seat in a district that President Trump carried by 16 points. Nolan won against GOP challenger Stewart Mills by only 2,009 votes in 2016.
Last fall, Mills said that he wouldn't run against Nolan for a third time, and criticized the National Republican Congressional Committee for its failure to adequately support his campaign. The GOP left us "flat footed and unable to mount a commensurate campaign," Mills wrote on Facebook.
The retirement decision is a reversal for Nolan who was mulling a 2018 gubernatorial run last summer, but ultimately announced he would run for his congressional seat again. The congressman announced his retirement in a one-page statement, but promised to "finish strong."
"Despite the fact that our nation is being challenged by some rather troubling politics, let's remember that our founders foresaw difficult times and gave us the tools to see them through," said Nolan. "Our constitution is strong, our people are resilient, and the elections of 2018, 2020 and beyond provide continuing opportunities for progress, reform and necessary change."
"The Iron Range and the eighth district are on the economic rebound, and our best days are still ahead," Nolan added.
Minnesota Public Radio News reporter Brian Bakst tweeted out Nolan's full statement and noted the 8th is one of the "most targeted districts" in the country.
The Nolan statement announcing he’s retiring after his current term. #mn08 is among most targeted districts in the country pic.twitter.com/7WyROpiBA9
— Brian Bakst (@Stowydad) February 9, 2018
Nolan previously represented Minnesota's 6th district from 1975 to 1981.