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Rep. John Duncan Jr. (R-Tenn.) will not seek reelection next year after serving in the House since 1988, a spokesman confirmed to The Hill on Monday.

Duncan said in a statement to the Knoxville News Sentinel that he wanted to spend more time at home in Tennessee. Between Duncan and his father, who previously held the 2nd District seat, the family has represented the Knoxville area for more than half a century.

"I have decided I wanted to spend less time in airports, airplanes and traveling around the district and more time with my family, especially my nine grandchildren, who all live in Knoxville, Duncan said.I love my job, but I love my family more.

Duncan saidhe had been considering retirement before his reelection last year.

Since then, in part, because people knew or assumed that I might be thinking about retiring, I have never had so many people urging me to run again, Duncan said. Also, because of the recent attacks against me from the far left, my support among the conservative Republican base has never been more enthusiastic. I am grateful for their kind expressions of support. However, now is the time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life.

The Knoxville News Sentinel noted that Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, a Republican, is expected to announce later this week that hes running for Duncans seat.

The district is considered a GOPstronghold. President Trump won 65 percent of the vote there in 2016, compared to just under 30 percent for Democratic nominee Hillary ClintonHillary Rodham ClintonTrump dictated statement for son on Russia meeting: report Kate Hudson mocks Scaramucci: 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days' Tennessee Republican wont seek reelection to House MORE.

Duncans most notable vote may have been the one he cast against authorizing the Iraq War in 2002. He was one of just six Republicans to oppose then-President George W. Bush on that vote.

Herecalled in an interview with the Knoxville News Sentinel four years ago that he wasnt convinced that Saddam Husseins regime presented an imminent threat. He initially faced fallout for the vote but has since felt vindicated as public opinion toward the war changed.

"What had been a very unpopular vote slowly, slowly, slowly became, if not my most popular vote, certainly one of my most popular," Duncan said in the interview.

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Tennessee Republican won't seek reelection to House - The Hill