New Jersey Republican Congressman Jon Runyan will not seek re-election

Congressman Jon Runyan of New Jersey has announced that he will not seek re-election next year. The two-term South Jersey Republican issued the following statement this afternoon:

“After a great deal of thought and discussions with my family, I have decided not to seek re-election in 2014.  Politics shouldn’t be a career and I never intended to make it one.  While it has truly been an honor to serve the people of New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District, at this stage in my life, and more importantly, the lives of my three children, spending time with them is my top priority.  As I serve out the rest of my term, I will continue to work hard on behalf of the people of South Jersey.”

Runyan, a former Philadelphia Eagles football player, ousted Democratic Congressman John Adler in 2010. Adler died a year later at the age of 51 due to complications from an infection. In 2012, Adler’s widow, Democrat Shelly Adler unsuccessfully challenged Runyon for the seat.

His decision gives Democrats a chance to win back the seat. 

The 3rd District is located in central New Jersey and stretches from the Pennsylvania border to the Jersey coastline. It encompasses parts of Burlington and Ocean counties.